The final phase of the Youth Festival 2025 National Kabaddi Championship began on Friday in Dhaka, placing the country’s national game firmly back in the spotlight. The Shaheed Captain M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium now hosts the best district teams in men’s and women’s kabaddi. This stage matters because it bridges grassroots competition and national ambition.
The opening ceremony set a confident tone. Sports Council director Mohammad Aminul Ehsan framed kabaddi as Bangladesh’s strongest sporting identity, pointing to recent success on the global stage. His message carried weight because results already back the optimism.
Bangladesh’s women proved their pedigree by winning bronze at the last World Cup, and officials now aim higher. The ambition stretches beyond participation and leans towards global dominance in both men’s and women’s kabaddi. That target sounds bold, but the pathway starts here.
Federation general secretary SM Newaz Sohag used the platform to underline momentum. He highlighted a busy calendar over the past year and tangible returns, including continental medals and improved world rankings. The numbers suggest planning has replaced improvisation.
Action on the mat backed the words. Moulvibazar opened the men’s competition with a strong win over Madaripur, while Jhenaidah edged Barishal in the women’s opener. These early matches showed intensity rather than caution, a positive sign for a youth-driven event.
The championship runs in two phases, beginning with district competition before merging with service teams in the main national round. Finals for the district stage arrive on 28 December, with the tournament concluding on 31 December. By then, selectors will not just crown champions but identify the next faces of Bangladesh kabaddi.
