The semifinals of the ongoing Second Women's Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will take place today at the Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur.
Defending champions India will lock horns with runners-up Iran in the day's high-voltage first semifinal match at 4 pm (BST) while hosts Bangladesh will face unbeaten Chinese Taipei in the second match at 5 pm (BST).
India vs Iran
India enter the knockout stage in commanding form, having topped Group A with four wins out of four. Their raiders have been consistent, while their defence has shown the discipline expected from the reigning champions.
Iran, meanwhile, finished as Group B runners-up, securing their last-four berth with confident wins over Nepal, Poland, Kenya and Zanzibar. Their only defeat came against the unbeaten Chinese Taipei, but the Iranians remain one of the tournament’s most tactically astute sides.
India head coach Tejeswini Bai made it clear that her team are fully focused on the challenge ahead. “We have reached the semi-finals where our opponents are Iran. We are preparing special strategies to beat them. Our aim is to score more points against Iran,” she said.
She stressed that India’s ambitions extend far beyond the last four: “We must win the semi-final, because our target is to reach the final and, of course, to win the title. This trophy is extremely important for us. We want to return home with the cup. We are working hard and training well – now we want the results.”
Iran Coach Zohreh Torbatinejad, meanwhile, said that there is very little difference between the two sides and that they would like to be in the final beating India.
“Iran and India always had rivalry with each other. In Jakarta, we beat India, and in the last Asian championship they beat us, but both of us are very strong and we want to beat each other. And I know that they have trouble with us, actually we have that too,” she said.
With Iran determined to avenge their defeat in the previous edition’s final and India eyeing back-to-back titles, the tie promises a fiercely contested battle between power, finesse and tactical discipline.
Bangladesh vs Chinese Taipei
Bangladesh, who have already secured their first-ever World Cup medal by reaching the last four, enter the match buoyed by a thrilling 40-31 victory over Thailand in their final Pool A fixture.
The win ensured Bangladesh finished as group runners-up with three wins from four matches, marking their most successful campaign in global kabaddi.
Bangladesh head coach Shahnaj Parvin Maleka acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained hopeful of another memorable performance.
“Chinese Taipei are a very strong team. We will also try to give our best and secure a victory against them,” she said. “Since we are playing on our home soil, we have already defeated Uganda, Germany and Thailand.”
She added that the thrilling win over Thailand had reinvigorated the squad: “The girls are even more energised and confident. They told me the match against Chinese Taipei is a ‘do-or-die’ game, and they will give their absolute best.”
Bangladesh raider Smriti Akter, one of the team’s standout performers, described the pride of playing at home.
“This feeling is beyond words. Playing on home soil and securing a medal for the country -- what could be more joyful?” she said.
Chinese Taipei, meanwhile, enter the tie as one of only two unbeaten teams in the competition, having won all five of their Pool B fixtures. Captain Ya Han Chuang praised the hosts while expressing readiness for the contest.
“We will be prepared very well for Bangladesh. They are a skillful team, so we have to give our best,” she said.
She acknowledged the added weight of facing the hosts: “Yes, there is a little pressure as Bangladesh are the hosts, but we will only concentrate on our match.”
Reflecting on their dominant run, she added: “It is our fifth consecutive victory in this tournament. We feel more confident now.”
With Bangladesh banking on passion and crowd support, and Chinese Taipei relying on precision and discipline, the semi-final promises a gripping duel of contrasting styles.
For the hosts, a place in the final would be unprecedented; for Taipei, it would be another step in an already flawless campaign.
Live TV
RTV Plus 
