The Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad recently witnessed the high-octane finale of the 72nd Women’s Senior National Kabaddi Championship (2026). In a sport where every second counts, the tournament proved that women’s kabaddi in India has reached an elite level of athleticism and strategy. After four days of grueling competition, Haryana emerged as the new queens of the mat, snatching the gold from the defending champions, Indian Railways.
The Epic Battle: Haryana vs. Indian Railways
The final was nothing short of a movie script. On one side was the powerhouse Indian Railways, the 2025 winners known for their experience. On the other was a young, hungry Haryana side. The match was a seesaw battle where the lead changed hands multiple times, keeping the Hyderabad crowd on the edge of their seats.
The hero of the night was Nikita, who put on a raiding masterclass. She scored a massive 17 points, single-handedly breaking the Railways’ defensive wall. Despite a valiant effort from the Railways’ star raider Pooja (11 points), Haryana’s composure in the final three minutes secured them a narrow 39-37 victory.
Road to the Podium: Tournament Highlights
The championship featured 28 teams and over 370 players, including stars who recently won the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025. While the final grabbed the headlines, the journey of the semi-finalists showed the incredible depth of talent in the country.
| Team | Medal | Key Performer | Final/Semi Score |
| Haryana | Gold | Nikita (17 Points) | 39 – 37 (Final) |
| Indian Railways | Silver | Pooja (11 Points) | 37 – 39 (Final) |
| Himachal Pradesh | Bronze | Pushpa Rana | 29 – 35 (Semi) |
| Tamil Nadu | Bronze | Karthika R | 28 – 46 (Semi) |
The “Asian Games” Connection
This wasn’t just another trophy; this tournament served as the primary hunting ground for selectors. With the Asian Games 2026 scheduled for later this year in Nagoya, Japan, every “Super 10” raid and “High 5” tackle was recorded by scouts.
Performers like Karthika R from Tamil Nadu and Pushpa Rana from Himachal Pradesh have surely made their mark. The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) used this stage to identify the core group that will represent India globally, ensuring that the legacy of our World Cup win continues.
Why This Matters for Indian Sport
The success of the 72nd Nationals sends a clear message: Women’s kabaddi is no longer in the shadow of the men’s game.
- Professionalism: Matches are now played on high-quality mats with digital scoring and “Referee Cams.”
- Grassroots Growth: Teams like Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand gave tough fights to established giants, showing that the sport is growing in every corner of India.
- Career Path: For these 378 players, kabaddi is now a professional career path leading to government jobs and international fame.
Conclusion
Haryana’s victory marks a shift in power, ending the dominance of the Railways and setting a high bar for the upcoming season. As the focus now shifts to the Asian Games, one thing is certain—the “daughters of the mat” are ready to conquer the world.
