Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026: Men’s Semi-Final Race Reaches a Decisive Day
The group stage of the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 reaches its conclusion in Ahmedabad on October 29, with six men’s matches set to determine the final semi-final line-up. Three teams have already secured places in the last four, but the final berth remains up for grabs as Bangladesh, Canada and Singapore seek to keep their campaigns alive.
There are no women’s group matches on Day 7. That competition has already reached its knockout stage, with the women’s semi-finals scheduled for October 30. The men’s programme, meanwhile, offers a high-stakes finish featuring a Group A showdown between India and Sri Lanka, alongside a crucial Bangladesh–Scotland contest.
India and Sri Lanka Battle for Group A Supremacy
India and Sri Lanka enter the final day level on 10 points after winning all five of their previous matches. Sri Lanka currently sit above India on score difference, but the teams meet on October 29 in a contest that could decide the group’s top position and provide a major test ahead of the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka arrive in strong form after defeating England 50–22 on October 28 to record a fifth consecutive victory. Their balanced approach has been a feature of the campaign, with effective raiding supported by a defence capable of applying pressure at key moments.
Captain Milinda Chathuranga, who has collected 39 raid points, will be central to Sri Lanka’s plans against India. Defender Santhushta has contributed 15 tackle points, while Made Dwiki Sanjaya has added 11. Together, they give Sri Lanka options at both ends of the mat.
India also have a dangerous attacking threat in Neeraj Narwal, who has scored 36 raid points in only three appearances. His efficiency could be especially important in a match where every successful raid and defensive stop may influence the final group standings.
Bangladesh Aim to Secure the Last Men’s Semi-Final Place
Bangladesh control their own route to the semi-finals: a win over Scotland would secure the final qualifying spot. They strengthened their position with an emphatic 69–31 victory over Australia on October 28, a result that underlined the threat they pose when their raiders find space and build momentum.
Dipayon Golder, who has scored 43 raid points, is a key figure in Bangladesh’s attack. His ability to collect points consistently will be important against Scotland, particularly if the match becomes a contest of patience and defensive discipline.
Bangladesh are not the only team monitoring the qualification picture. Canada and Singapore remain in contention, but their hopes depend on results elsewhere as well as a substantial improvement in score difference. That makes their own meeting particularly significant: both sides need a strong performance, and neither can afford a slow start.
Canada and Singapore Face a High-Pressure Test
Canada’s attack features two of the tournament’s most productive raiders. Manpreet Singh has recorded 46 raid points, while Anmol Thakur has added 44, giving Canada a pair of scoring options capable of putting sustained pressure on opposing defences.
Singapore will look to answer through Aadit Senthilkumar, who has 40 raid points, and defender Vishnuvarthan Deva. Deva leads all men’s defenders with 20 tackle points, making him one of the most influential players in the competition. His ability to halt Canada’s raids could determine whether Singapore can stay close enough to mount a late challenge.
Canada also have defensive contributors in Anand, who has 17 tackle points, and Akhil Dahiya, who has 12. For both teams, the contest is about more than simply winning: the margin may matter too, given the role score difference could play in the final qualification calculations.
Kenya Lead Group B After a Strong Run
Kenya have already qualified for the semi-finals and sit at the top of Group B with eight points from four wins. They moved closer to confirming their position with a 49–20 victory over Canada on October 28. Bangladesh are second in the group on six points, while the remaining matches will determine how the final standings are settled.
Kenya’s defensive strength has been supported by Allan Omondi, who has registered 11 tackle points. Their qualification gives them a chance to prepare for the knockout stage while other contenders face the pressure of the final group fixtures.
Other Results Set the Stage for the Finale
October 28 also featured several decisive performances across the men’s competition. Malaysia overwhelmed Nigeria 78–13, while Uganda edged Tanzania 35–28 in a closer encounter. Uganda’s attack has been led by Mulalira Daglas and Ibanda Sirivesiti, who have each scored 38 raid points. Defender Tenywa Gasta has contributed 15 tackle points.
Tanzania’s Juma Sultania remains the leading men’s raider of the tournament with 70 raid points. His team will look to him again against England, while defenders Hafidhi Ali and Masudi Omary—each with 17 and 14 tackle points respectively—will be tasked with limiting England’s scoring opportunities.
Women’s Semi-Final Picture Is Complete
The women’s group stage concluded on October 28, leaving the semi-final line-up ready for October 30. Bangladesh booked their place with a commanding 79–13 win over England, while Uganda defeated Nigeria 65–22 to claim the second semi-final position from Group A.
India and Kenya finished top of their respective women’s groups with perfect records. Kenya’s Lavenda Odhiambo leads all women’s raiders with 56 raid points, while Sri Lanka’s Kajenthini is the leading defender, having recorded 14 tackle points.
What to Watch on October 29
The final day presents two central questions: can India overtake Sri Lanka at the top of Group A, and will Bangladesh deliver the result needed to secure the last men’s semi-final place? Canada and Singapore will also be watching the qualification picture closely as they face each other, knowing that a big win could keep their hopes alive.
With the women’s teams already preparing for the knockout rounds and the men’s bracket still taking shape, the final group-stage matches promise a compelling mix of tactical battles, individual milestones and qualification pressure. For kabaddi fans, Ahmedabad is set for a decisive night before the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship moves into its semi-finals.
