Declared a national sport in 1974 by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman “ the father of the nation “ Bangladesh inaugurated their 1st National Kabaddi Championship the same year. By 1978, the country was already a member of Asian Amateur Kabaddi Federation formed in Bhilai, India. And in 1980, they won the Silver medal at the first Asian Kabaddi Championship held in Kolkata.
Kabaddi is a revered sport in Bangladesh. Right from schools to big-spending leagues, the country observes an efficiently-organized tournament for the sport and picks talent from these pools. For the Bangladeshi National Team, players are selected from three tournaments/leagues - National Kabaddi Tournament, Premier Division Kabaddi League and Services Kabaddi League.
Over the years, Bangladesh have been nothing short of impressive as they’ve won three Silver and six Bronze medals at the South Asian games, and three Silver and two Bronze at the Asian Games. Even the Bangladesh Women’s Kabaddi team has a stunning track record, with three Bronze at the Asian Games and a Silver at the South Asian Games.
Kabaddi is played the most in cities like Barisal, Jessore, Khulna, Norail and Satkhira.
In the 2016 World Cup in Ahmedabad, Bangladesh will definitely look to upset opponents with their strong line-up. Will they go a step or two ahead in this World Cup and earn the ultimate prize? Only time will tell.
