Iranian Women's Kabaddi Team Engages in Training Camp Ahead of Asian Games 2026
Iran's Kabaddi Team Prepares for Asian Games
In preparation for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, the Iranian women's kabaddi team participated in a series of practice matches at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) facility in Sonipat.
The six-day training camp aimed to foster a valuable learning experience for both teams, enhancing their readiness for the games scheduled in Aichi-Nagoya, as stated in a press release.
Arriving in Sonipat on August 13, the Iranian squad engaged in practice matches against the Indian women's kabaddi team and various local teams at the SAI campus. While the primary goal was to prepare Iran for the Asian Games, these matches also allowed Indian players to gain experience against an international team, exposing them to diverse playing styles and strategies.
Coaches Praise Cross-Border Training Initiative
Gholamreza Mazandarani, head coach of the Iranian women's team, expressed that the camp was particularly beneficial for his young players, with over 80% of the team being new since the last Asian Games. He remarked, "This is a great opportunity for us to play friendly matches, enhance our players' skills, and refine our team tactics. We aim to present a stronger team at the Asian Games. This experience is invaluable for our young squad, which has undergone significant changes since the previous event."
India's Kabaddi Ecosystem Offers Competitive Edge
Mazandarani highlighted the extensive kabaddi infrastructure in India, which provides Indian players with a significant advantage. He noted, "In Iran, we have around 3,000 to 4,000 kabaddi players, but in India, the number exceeds 10 million. This vast pool allows players to compete in numerous matches throughout the year, enhancing their skills considerably."
"An Indian kabaddi player, regardless of age, typically participates in 50-60 matches annually, which is a crucial factor for their development," he added.
Insights from Indian Coaches
Naveen Kumar, coach of the Indian women's kabaddi team, emphasized the benefits of competing against Iran. He stated, "Our newer players, primarily at the junior level, gained valuable insights from playing against the Iranian team. They learned about Iran's playing style, which will help us prepare for future competitions. The matches were excellent, and we are pleased with the experience."
"The Iranian squad includes players with experience from three Asian Games, showcasing their fitness, strength, and explosive power. Our young players can learn a lot from their dedication and competitive spirit, making this a highly beneficial experience for our team."
Player Perspectives and Future Aspirations
The training camp also allowed the Iranian players to adapt to different conditions. Zahra Karimi, an Iranian player visiting India for the third time, emphasized the importance of such exposure. She stated, "One major difference between Iran and India is the number of players. In Iran, we lack the opportunity to compete against diverse opponents. India benefits from having national games, which is advantageous for their players."
"The SAI Academy is an excellent facility for athletes. I observed athletes from various sports training and residing here, which allows them to focus solely on their sport. The equipment available is also impressive," she added.
Coach Mazandarani expressed hope that such exchanges could become a regular aspect of kabaddi's international growth. He remarked, "India is the foundation of kabaddi. Every coach and player aspiring to improve must come to India. In the long run, we could strategize with the Iranian team, enhance player skills, and engage in friendly matches with local teams, which would benefit kabaddi globally."