Women's Kabaddi World Cup 2025: The Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 delivered a thrilling display of athleticism, strategy, and sheer determination.
After days of intense competition across Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Walsall, it was India who lifted the coveted trophy on 23rd March, defeating England 57–34 in a sensational final at WV Active Aldersley, Wolverhampton.

The tournament not only showcased emerging teams and rising talents but also demonstrated the increasing global footprint of women’s kabaddi. Here’s a detailed look at the winners, runners-up, prize money, and all the key moments from the action-packed event.
Team India entered the tournament as favourites and lived up to every bit of that expectation. Placed in Group D, they began their campaign with an emphatic 89–18 win against Wales on 18th March. The Indian raiders and defenders worked in complete harmony, showcasing their trademark agility and power.
In their final group match on 19th March, India overpowered Poland 104–15 at the CBS Arena in Coventry. With these back-to-back wins, India topped Group D, finishing with a staggering score difference of +160 – a clear statement of intent before the knockout rounds.
Hosts England, drawn in Group E, matched India’s dominance in their group stage. England outplayed Hungary 85–15 on 18th March and secured a narrow yet crucial victory over Hong Kong China 45–39 the next day. England’s all-round performance saw them finish the group stage unbeaten, with a positive score difference of +76.
England’s semi-final was equally commanding. On 21st March, they crushed Wales 72–25 at the Walsall Campus Sports Centre, booking their place in the grand final.
In the semi-finals, India once again proved their superiority, defeating Hong Kong China 53–15. Their flawless raiding combinations and tight defensive set-up left no chance for the Asian challengers.
England, on the other hand, overpowered Wales in their semi-final with a dominant 72–25 performance. That set the stage for a mouthwatering India vs England final.
The third-place playoff on 22nd March saw Hong Kong China taking on Wales at WV Active Aldersley, Wolverhampton. Hong Kong China were clinical in their approach and secured a convincing 75–14 victory to finish third in the competition.
The final showdown on 23rd March at WV Active Aldersley had all the ingredients of a thrilling contest. England, buoyed by home support, tried to challenge India early on, but the Indian team’s class prevailed.
India surged ahead with a combination of clever raids and spectacular tackles. Despite England’s valiant attempts to stay in the game, India maintained their lead throughout.
Speaking after the win, Indian captain Neha Jadhav said, “We came here with one dream – to win the World Cup. Every player gave their heart on the mat. This is a victory for every woman kabaddi player back home.”
England captain Emily Jenkins was gracious in defeat, saying, “We gave it our best. India are truly world-class. We are proud of our journey and hope this inspires more girls in England to take up kabaddi.”
The final score read India 57–34 England, and the celebrations began.
The Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 champions, India, were awarded a prize purse of £200,000, along with the glittering trophy. England, as runners-up, received £125,000, while Hong Kong China took home £75,000 for their third-place finish.
The Player of the Tournament was awarded to India’s star raider Poonam Sharma, who topped the raid points chart throughout the event. The Best Defender award went to England’s Rachel Collins, whose brilliant tackles were a highlight for the hosts.
The success of the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 is a testament to the growing appeal of the sport among women internationally. Teams like Poland, Wales, and Hungary may not have advanced far, but their presence and participation spoke volumes about kabaddi’s widening global footprint.
Tournament director Claire Jackson remarked, “The response we’ve seen this year has been incredible. From packed venues to passionate fans, women's kabaddi is clearly on the rise. We hope this momentum continues in the years to come.”
The Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 delivered unforgettable moments, from breathtaking raids to nail-biting tackles. India’s sheer dominance, England’s valiant efforts, and Hong Kong China’s resilience showcased the beauty and power of the sport.
As the sport continues to grow and inspire women athletes across the globe, this tournament will be remembered as a pivotal milestone in the journey of women’s kabaddi.