Kabaddi is a traditional Indian sport with a history spanning over 4,000 years, originating as a game of strength, strategy, and agility. It is played between two teams, where players take turns raiding the opponent’s half to tag defenders and return safely while holding their breath.
The sport has evolved significantly, gaining global recognition with professional leagues and international tournaments. With its fast-paced action and thrilling gameplay, Kabaddi continues to expand, captivating audiences and cementing its place on the global sporting stage.
Having already established its presence in the Asian Games and captured the attention of countries such as Japan, Thailand, and the Arab nations, Kabaddi is now set to make its debut in Southeast Asia’s largest sporting event, the SEA Games.
For the first time in history, Kabaddi will be featured in the SEA Games, scheduled to take place later this year in Thailand. Since 2002, the Kabaddi Association of Malaysia (KAM) has been actively participating in the Asian Games, and since 2004, in the World Kabaddi Championship. Now, KAM is eagerly looking forward to the challenge of the SEA Games.
KAM President I. Pathmanathan expressed confidence that the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand would provide an excellent platform for the Malaysian Kabaddi team. He also voiced hope that Kabaddi would continue to be included in the 2027 SEA Games, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur in two years.
Despite its experience in international competitions, the Kabaddi Association of Malaysia (KAM) faces an underlying concern—the future of Kabaddi in Malaysia’s national sports competition, SUKMA. KAM President I. Pathmanathan revealed that it is still uncertain whether Kabaddi will be included in next year’s SUKMA Games in Selangor.
He stated that they had sent a letter to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, and the Selangor Sports Council and were now awaiting their response. He emphasized that SUKMA serves as an important platform for nurturing talent and identifying potential athletes for the national team.
Under these circumstances, the final list of sports for the 2026 SUKMA Games will be announced only after the Hari Raya celebrations. Therefore, Pathmanathan expressed his optimism and stated that they are eagerly awaiting a positive outcome.
After significant effort, Kabaddi was successfully included in last year’s SUKMA Games in Sarawak. In the tournament, the Federal Territory team secured gold medals in both the men’s and women’s categories. As Kabaddi continues to gain momentum on the global stage, its inclusion in prestigious events like the SEA Games marks a significant milestone for the sport. While the Kabaddi Association of Malaysia (KAM) remains optimistic about its future in SUKMA, the uncertainty surrounding its inclusion highlights the need for continued support and recognition at the national level.
With Kabaddi’s growing popularity and Malaysia’s commitment to the sport, the hope remains that it will not only thrive in upcoming international competitions but also secure a permanent place in SUKMA. As the final decision awaits, athletes and fans alike eagerly anticipate a positive outcome that will further elevate Kabaddi’s standing in Malaysia and beyond.
Source: Vanakkam Malaysia
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