MELBOURNE, 22 OCTOBER, 2026: Australia’s national kabaddi team is preparing to compete at the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, India, from October 23 to 31. The tournament at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex will feature 13 nations and more than 400 athletes across men’s and women’s events.business-standard+1
The Australian squad will be led by captain Ben Nugent and coached by Matthew Alexander Kos, both members of Australia’s 2016 Kabaddi World Cup team. Their return to Ahmedabad marks a significant step in the sport’s renewed growth in Australia after the success of the 2024 Melbourne Raid event.
The tour follows the Bilateral Sports Declaration made by the Prime Ministers of Australia and India in Melbourne. AusKabaddi president Sudip Chakraborty said the championship was a continuation of the cultural and sporting bond between the two countries.
“This tournament is not just a return to the international mat for Australia, but a powerful continuation of the cultural and sporting bond envisioned in the Bilateral Sports Declaration by our Prime Ministers,” he said.
The team has received support from the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, with Consul General Anish Rajan joining players at a training session.
Nugent said the squad was determined to make Australia proud after several weeks of preparation. “We are confident in our abilities and ready to challenge every team in this championship,” he said.
Coach Kos said the players had come together well and were ready for the fast-paced, physical nature of international kabaddi. “Wearing the Green and Gold is an honour and Aussies never die wondering,” he said.
Australia opens its campaign against Scotland on October 23. Supporters can follow the team through AusKabaddi’s official social media channels.
