Upcoming 73rd Senior National Kabaddi Championship Set for January 2027

The 73rd Senior National Kabaddi Championship is set to occur from January 7 to 10, 2027, in Mandya, Karnataka. This prestigious event will see around 30 teams, including state and institutional representatives, compete for the title. With Indian Railways as the defending champions, the tournament promises to showcase emerging talent and established players alike. The competition format will involve multiple pools, leading to knockout rounds, making it an exciting event for kabaddi enthusiasts. Notable past participants include MVPs from the Pro Kabaddi League, highlighting the championship's role in nurturing future stars.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 7, 2026, 00:08 IST

Details of the Championship

The 73rd Senior National Kabaddi Championship is scheduled to take place from January 7 to 10, 2027, at the Sir M Vishveshvaraiah Stadium in Mandya, Karnataka, as reported by a sports news outlet.

Participation and Teams

This prestigious domestic event will showcase teams from various States and Union Territories, alongside prominent institutional teams. Approximately 30 teams, featuring over 400 athletes, are anticipated to compete in this four-day tournament.

Tournament Organization

Organized by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), this championship marks the 73rd iteration of the men's National Kabaddi Championship.

Match Format and Rules

All matches will be conducted on mats, with each team permitted to have a maximum of 14 players.

Defending Champions

Indian Railways will enter the tournament as the reigning champions, having won the 72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship held in Vadodara, Gujarat. In that final, they triumphed over Maharashtra with a score of 49-31.

Competition Structure

Following the format from the previous championship, teams will be divided into several pools, with the top two from each pool advancing to the knockout rounds after the group stage.

Nurturing Future Talent

The Senior National Kabaddi Championship has become a vital platform for developing young talent, with many players later excelling in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).

Notable Players

Among the distinguished players who have participated in past editions are two-time PKL Most Valuable Player Naveen Kumar, Ashu Malik, Aslam Inamdar, and Sumit Sangwan.

Previous Edition Highlights

The last championship also featured Sunil Kumar, recognized as the most successful captain in PKL history, who played a crucial role in leading Indian Railways to victory.

Success Stories

Numerous athletes who were part of India's gold medal-winning teams at the 2026 Asian Games and the recent Commonwealth Kabaddi Championships have emerged from the Senior National Kabaddi Championship.