Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026: Semi-Final Race Heats Up in Ahmedabad
The Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 enters a decisive stretch in Ahmedabad on October 28, with seven fixtures scheduled across the men’s and women’s competitions. Just two days of group-stage action remain before the semi-finals on October 30, and several teams now have a chance to secure their places in the knockout rounds.
India have already booked a spot in the men’s semi-finals after extending their unbeaten run to five matches. In the women’s tournament, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka have qualified, while the final place in Group A remains up for grabs. Today’s results could also confirm more qualifiers, making the latest round especially important for teams still chasing a top-two finish.
India and Sri Lanka Set the Pace in the Men’s Competition
India continued their strong campaign on October 27, defeating Tanzania 48-20 to claim a fifth consecutive win. The result confirmed India’s progression from men’s Group A, where they sit first with 10 points. Their consistency at both ends of the mat has made them one of the teams to beat as the championship moves towards the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka are also in excellent form. They overwhelmed Nigeria 53-14 to record a fourth win from four matches and move to eight points in Group A. A victory over England on October 28 would secure their semi-final place and keep their perfect record intact. Captain Milinda Chathuranga, who has scored 39 raid points, will be central to Sri Lanka’s attack, while defender Santhushta has contributed 14 tackle points.
Malaysia added another win by beating England 55-29. Their raiding has been led by Isaac Alton, who has collected 47 raid points, while Madhava Rao Naidu has supplied 11 tackle points. Malaysia face Nigeria next, with a chance to strengthen their position before the group stage concludes.
Canada and Bangladesh Make Their Move in Group B
In men’s Group B, Canada produced an emphatic 62-30 victory over Scotland, while Bangladesh defeated Singapore 60-28. Both results added pressure to the race for the group’s two semi-final berths, where every remaining match could affect the final standings.
Canada now face a significant test against Kenya. The Kenyan side have won their first three matches and lead Group B with six points. A win would secure Kenya’s qualification, while Canada will need a disciplined performance to disrupt their unbeaten run. Canadian raider Anmol Thakur has scored 41 raid points, and defender Anand has recorded 16 tackle points, making the pair key figures in the challenge.
Kenya’s ability to combine quick raids with effective defensive pressure has made them difficult to contain. Tanzania’s leading raider, Juma Sultania, will also be one to watch when his team meets Uganda. With 57 raid points, he is currently the men’s competition’s top raider. Tanzania’s Hafidhi Ali has added 16 tackle points, but Uganda defender Tenywa Gasta and his teammates will need to work hard to limit the threat.
Women’s Competition: Uganda Chase a Place in the Knockouts
Kenya maintained their perfect record in the women’s competition with a commanding 61-16 win over Scotland. Malaysia also impressed, beating Singapore 62-17. India lead women’s Group A with eight points, while Kenya top Group B on eight points; both teams have remained unbeaten and have already qualified for the semi-finals.
Uganda’s match against Nigeria could decide the final Group A place. Uganda will qualify if they win, but Nigeria have an opportunity to disrupt their plans. Uganda raider Shirat Nakayongo has scored 28 raid points in three matches and will be an important attacking option. Nigeria will look to counter through defender Dennis Udeme, who has earned 10 tackle points so far.
Bangladesh’s Brishti Biswas is another standout performer in the women’s field. She has scored 31 raid points in just three matches and will be a player to follow when Bangladesh take on England. Her ability to find space and turn difficult raids into scoring chances could prove decisive as teams look to finish the group stage strongly.
Key Qualification Scenarios on October 28
Three fixtures carry particular significance for the semi-final picture. Uganda can progress from women’s Group A by defeating Nigeria. Kenya will qualify from men’s Group B if they overcome Canada, while Sri Lanka can confirm their place in the men’s semi-finals with a win against England.
The format rewards the top two teams in each group, so teams cannot afford to focus only on winning. Points, defensive stops and the ability to manage pressure may all matter as the standings tighten. For sides already qualified, the remaining matches are still valuable: maintaining momentum and sharpening combinations can provide an advantage ahead of the knockout stage.
A Crucial Day for Kabaddi Fans
With India already through in the men’s event and several other teams closing in, October 28 promises high-stakes kabaddi across both competitions. Kenya’s meeting with Canada, Sri Lanka’s clash with England and Uganda’s must-win women’s fixture against Nigeria could reshape the semi-final lineup.
The group stage is nearing its conclusion, but the contest for the remaining places is far from settled. Fans can expect fast raids, tactical defending and intense pressure as teams pursue a place in the October 30 semi-finals at the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad.
