Dhaka: After clinching the bronze medal at the recently concluded Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship in Iran, the Bangladesh women’s kabaddi team is now setting its sights on the upcoming Women’s World Cup Kabaddi. They have commenced their preparations at the Riya Gop Women’s Sports Complex in Dhanmondi under the guidance of coaches Shahnaz Parvin Maleka and Arduzzaman Munshi.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the second Women’s Kabaddi World Cup is scheduled to take place in Bihar, India, from June 1 to 13 this year. Notably, the first Women’s Kabaddi World Cup was also held in Bihar in 2012, where India emerged as champions, while Bangladesh secured the fifth position. The team is eager to build on their recent success at the Asian Championship as they aim for a stronger performance in the World Cup.
Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation General Secretary SM Newaz Sohag expressed the team’s aspirations, stating, “The team from Iran has brought success in the Asian Women’s Championship. The Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation wants such success to be translated into the World Cup as well. Bangladesh finished fifth in the first Women’s World Cup in 2012. This time, we are moving forward with the goal of doing better.”
Several strategic plans have been laid out for the team’s preparation, as highlighted by SM Newaz Sohag. “We will spare no effort to prepare the team for the World Cup. The women’s team will be sent to Nepal in late April or early May.” During their stay, Bangladesh will engage in a five-match Test series against the host team, and there is a possibility of participating in a tri-nation series in Thailand, potentially involving hosts Thailand, Bangladesh, and either Nepal or Sri Lanka.
In addition to these plans, there is a proposal to send the team to India fifteen days or a month before the World Cup commences. Discussions are ongoing to arrange warm-up matches against various local teams in India. The Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the success of the women’s kabaddi team.