Bangladesh to Start Campaign against Uganda Tomorrow

Hosts Bangladesh will start their campaign in the second edition of the Women's Kabaddi World Cup 2025 against Uganda tomorrow at the Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka, at 3 pm (Bangladesh Standard Time).  

A total of 11 nations, including the defending champions Indian, runners-up Iran and hosts Bangladesh, are taking part in the global meet, organized by Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) as a part of its celebration of 'Festival of Youth'

Bangladesh have been put in the five-team Group A along with holders India, Thailand, Uganda and Germany while Group B comprises Iran, Nepal, Chinese Taipei, Poland, Kenya and Zanzibar.

The hosts will next play against Germany on Tuesday (November 18) at 5 pm, India on Wednesday (November 19) at 6 pm, Thailand on November 22 at 10:30 am. 

Following the opening match between Bangladesh and Uganda tomorrow, the rest of the day will feature three Group B games -- Nepal vs Zanzibar at 4 pm, Iran vs Poland at 5 pm, Chinese Taipei vs Kenya at 6 pm. 

The top two teams from each group will play finals on November 23 at 4 pm and 5 pm respectively while the final will be held on November 24 at 4:30 pm. 

All the matches will be held at the same venue. 

Meanwhile, the first edition of this global meet took place at Patna, India, from March 1 to 4 in 2012 with India emerging as champions, beating Iran by 25-19 points. 

A total of 16 teams, split into four groups, took part in that edition. Bangladesh, who emerged toppers of in the four-team Group C with all win-record, eneded fifth after conceding 15-17 points defeat to out Japan 15-17 in the quarterfinals.  

This time, on their home mat, the Bangladesh team possesses a great chance to achieve redemption and earn at least a medal in the global tournament.

Following the historic bronze medal win at the 6th Asian Women's Kabaddi Championship held in Iran last March, the team have been taking preparations seriously for this meet. 

The coaching staff confirmed that the Bangladesh side are in a better position than before in terms of fitness, tactical aspects and team coordination, which is seen as the main strength of the Red and Green.

Both Bangladesh Coaches Shahnaz Parvin Maleka, Arduzzaman Munshi and Captain Rupali Akhter have unitedly expressed their strong determination to surpass their performance from the first World Cup on the mat.

"Our first match is against Uganda. Like the other teams in this tournament, they have also come with the aim of winning a medal. We will need to be cautious in the opening match. In the first few minutes, we will observe which areas Uganda are strongest in. We will understand our opponents and then play according to our plan. Since we are hosting the World Cup on home soil, we also want to achieve something positive. A good start is crucial, and we will try to begin the World Cup on a strong note. Please keep us in your prayers," said Coach Maleka. 

"We want to start the World Cup with a win. We have worked very hard for this competition, and all the girls are mentally prepared to perform well. I am hopeful that we can achieve something good as a team," said Captain Rupali Akter. 

On the other side, Uganda did not participate in the 2012 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup. It will be their debut on the world stage. However, Uganda, who are also known as the “She Gladiators”, having won the African Championship for the first time in 2023 and retained the title in 2025.