IKF working to secure kabaddi’s place in 2030 Commonwealth Games

Hyderabad: The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) is working towards its goal of getting kabaddi included in the 2036 Olympic Games, IKF president Kasani Gnaneshwar said on Sunday.

Mr Gnaneshwar said efforts were also underway to secure a place for kabaddi in the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

The IKF Executive Committee meeting was held here on Sunday under the chairmanship of Mr Gnaneshwar.

Addressing the media after the meeting, he shared the federation’s future plans and initiatives for the global development of kabaddi.

He said the inclusion of kabaddi in the Olympics would bring greater international recognition to the sport and provide significant encouragement and opportunities to players.

Mr Gnaneshwar also said the federation was planning to organise a Kabaddi World Cup and launch a Women’s Kabaddi Premier League in the near future.

Countries interested in hosting the Kabaddi World Cup have been invited to submit their proposals. The host country will be finalised after reviewing the expressions of interest received, he said.

The IKF official said 62 countries had come forward to participate in kabaddi and had obtained membership in the International Kabaddi Federation.

Directors Venkatesh Bandari and Govind Narayan Sharma, along with Executive Committee members from various countries, including Osama and Sharma, attended the meeting.