Chandigarh, November 22:
The Women’s Kabaddi League (WKL) 2025 has launched its regional selection trials with the inaugural event held on Friday at Chandigarh University. This trial marks a significant step in identifying and nurturing female Kabaddi talent from the northern region of India, including aspiring athletes from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu, and Rajasthan.
The trials in Chandigarh saw an impressive 600 registrations, with as many as 450 players actively participating. From this talented pool, 100-150 players have been shortlisted to progress to the next stage.
With nearly 15,000 female kabaddi players in the northern region, the trials were a vital part of the league’s mission to build a pathway for women to excel in the sport. Of these, approximately 800 to 1,000 players have competed at state, national, or international levels, forming the focus of this initial selection process.
Dr. Seema, CEO of WKL, emphasizing the league’s dedication to empowering women athletes said, “The Women’s Kabaddi League is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the landscape of women’s sports in India. These trials are a testament to the immense untapped talent in our country. We are not just building a league; we are nurturing dreams and creating opportunities for countless young women to shine.”
Dr. Jeetendra Kumar, Media Spokesperson for WKL, expressed his excitement about the overwhelming response. He said, “The Women’s Kabaddi League is not just a sporting initiative; it is a movement to empower women athletes in India. We are thrilled to see such overwhelming enthusiasm and talent from the northern region. Our goal is to create a robust platform for these players to showcase their skills on a national and international stage.”
Krishnalal, General Secretary (Himachal Pradesh), Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) attended the event, highlighting the importance of initiatives like the WKL. “The North Region has a rich tradition of kabaddi, and it is heartening to see young women embrace this legacy with such passion. WKL is setting a benchmark in promoting women’s kabaddi, and we are proud to support this endeavor,” said Krishanlal.
The event also received strong support from Chandigarh University, a staunch promoter of women’s sports.
The WKL 2025 is poised to be a landmark event in the history of Indian kabaddi, with its commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of women athletes. The league aims to revolutionize the sport, providing opportunities for female athletes to rise to prominence and compete at the highest levels.
Looking ahead, the upcoming trials will take place in various regions, including Pune, Jamshedpur, Hyderabad, and the final round in Sonipat, further expanding opportunities for women athletes across India to showcase their talent.
