What Is 2025 Women's Kabaddi World Cup

Overview

The 2025 Women's Kabaddi World Cup marks a milestone in the global expansion of women's kabaddi, with record participation and enhanced broadcasting deals. Organized by the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), the event aims to elevate the sport's visibility and attract new audiences worldwide.

Building on the success of previous editions, this tournament introduces a new points system and extended match durations to improve competitiveness. With increased sponsorship and media coverage, the 2025 edition is poised to become the most-watched women's kabaddi event to date.

• 16 teams will compete, the highest number in Women's Kabaddi World Cup history, reflecting the sport's growing global appeal across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
• The tournament will run for 16 days, beginning on August 15 and concluding with the final on August 30, allowing for a balanced group and knockout stage schedule.
• Host nation India enters as defending champions, having won the 2020 title by defeating Iran 32–28 in the final held in Ludhiana.
• Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will host all knockout-stage matches, with a seating capacity of 36,000 and upgraded facilities for live broadcasts.
• For the first time, the event will feature live VAR reviews and real-time statistics displayed during broadcasts to enhance viewer engagement.

How It Works

The 2025 Women's Kabaddi World Cup follows a structured competition format designed to ensure fairness, excitement, and global representation. Below are key elements that define how the tournament operates.

• Group Stage: The 16 teams are divided into four groups of four. Each team plays three matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
• Knockout Rounds: Quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final are single-elimination matches. Tied games go into two three-minute extra periods before a tiebreaker round.
• Scoring System: Teams earn 2 points for a win, 1 for a tie, and 0 for a loss. Bonus points are awarded for winning by a margin of 7 or more points.
• Player Roster: Each team can register 18 players, with 7 on the mat at any time. Substitutions are unlimited but must occur during designated breaks.
• Match Duration: Matches consist of two 20-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime, a change from the previous 17-minute halves to allow for more strategic play.
• Referees: Each match is overseen by two on-field referees and one off-field official who manages time, scoring, and video reviews.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of recent Women's Kabaddi World Cup editions highlights key changes in scale, rules, and participation.

The data shows a steady increase in team participation and event duration, reflecting growing investment and interest in women's kabaddi. The 2025 edition nearly triples the number of teams from the inaugural tournament and includes expanded media rights deals with broadcasters in 40 countries.

Why It Matters

The 2025 Women's Kabaddi World Cup is more than a sporting event—it's a platform for gender equity, youth engagement, and cultural exchange. Its global reach amplifies visibility for female athletes in traditionally male-dominated sports.

• Increased funding from sponsors like JSW Sports and BYJU'S has enabled better training and travel support for participating national teams.
• The tournament promotes grassroots development, with IKF launching youth programs in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Kenya ahead of the event.
• Live broadcasts in 12 languages will reach an estimated 200 million viewers, setting a new benchmark for women's sports viewership.
• Female referees from six nations will officiate matches, marking a significant step toward gender inclusion in sports leadership roles.
• The event supports UN Women's HeForShe campaign, with all teams participating in community outreach and gender equality workshops.
• Merchandise and ticket sales are projected to generate $12 million in revenue, with 30% reinvested into women's kabaddi federations globally.

By combining athletic excellence with social impact, the 2025 Women's Kabaddi World Cup sets a new standard for international women's sports tournaments, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.