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Argentina Withdraws as Bangladesh Hosts Kabaddi World Cup
Bangladesh is poised to reach a significant milestone in its sporting history as it prepares to host the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup for the very first time. This prestigious tournament represents a major step forward for the nation’s sporting infrastructure and its commitment to promoting women’s athletics on the global stage. However, the build-up to the opening ceremony has been marked by a sudden change in the competitive line-up, as the Latin American contingent from Argentina officially withdrew from the tournament at the eleventh hour.1
Last-Minute Withdrawal and Roster Adjustments
The news of Argentina’s absence was confirmed by SM Newaz Sohag, the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation.2 Speaking to the press, Mr Sohag revealed that the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) had formally notified the local organisers of the South American team’s decision to pull out. While the specific reasons for their withdrawal remain undisclosed, the departure has reduced the total number of competing nations from thirteen to twelve.
Despite this minor setback, the atmosphere in Dhaka remains electric. The federation has confirmed that international teams are already touching down in the capital. The squad from Zanzibar has already arrived, and several other national contingents were expected to land late on Saturday night to begin their final preparations.3
Revised Schedule and Iconic Venues
Originally slated to commence on 15 November, the tournament’s start date has undergone a slight adjustment. According to an official press release issued on Friday, 14 November, the competition will now officially kick off on 17 November.4 This short delay is expected to allow for the completion of final logistical arrangements and ensure that all international athletes are fully acclimated.
The matches will be showcased across two of Dhaka’s most prominent sporting landmarks. The Kabaddi Stadium in Paltan will serve as the primary theatre for the tournament, while the Shaheed Sohrawardy Indoor Stadium in Mirpur will also host key fixtures, providing a state-of-the-art environment for both players and spectators.
Participating Nations: A Global Field
The 2024 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup features a diverse array of talent from four continents, highlighting the growing international appeal of Bangladesh’s national sport.
| Region | Participating Countries |
| Host Nation | Bangladesh |
| Asia | India, Chinese Taipei, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Nepal, Thailand |
| Europe | Germany, The Netherlands |
| Africa | Kenya, Uganda, Zanzibar |
A Moment of National Pride
Hosting a World Cup for the national sport—Kabaddi—is a point of immense pride for Bangladesh. Traditionally a rural pastime, Kabaddi has evolved into a sophisticated international sport requiring immense agility, lung capacity, and tactical prowess.5 The inclusion of European powerhouses like Germany and the Netherlands alongside traditional giants like India and Iran underscores the sport’s expanding footprint.
For the Bangladesh women’s team, this tournament offers a rare opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd, potentially inspiring a new generation of female athletes across the country. The federation remains optimistic that the event will be a resounding success, further cementing Dhaka’s reputation as an emerging hub for international sporting events.