Port Dickson, the well-known seaside city in Malaysia, will host the first-ever Beach Kabaddi World Cup this year. The tournament is scheduled from September 23 to 28, 2025, and will be organized under the patronage of World Kabaddi with the support of the Malaysia Kabaddi Federation (MKF). Event management responsibilities have been assigned to Olivereth Pvt. Ltd., a sports management company based in India.
A total of twenty-three countries have confirmed their participation in the tournament, which will take place at the Glory Beach Resort in Port Dickson. In the men’s category, 20 national teams will compete, including sides from India, Pakistan, China, the United States, Australia, Egypt, Chinese Taipei, England, Sierra Leone, and Kenya, alongside hosts Malaysia. The women’s competition will feature 16 teams, with Malaysia joined by India, Pakistan, New Zealand, China, Nepal, Tanzania, England, Canada, and Argentina among the participating nations.
Malaysia have been handed a favorable draw in both the men’s and women’s divisions of the inaugural Beach Kabaddi World Cup. In the women’s competition, the hosts are placed in Group A alongside Tanzania, Hungary, and China.
Malaysia and Tanzania are expected to progress from their group, while Sri Lanka are seen as strong favorites to top Group B, where they have been drawn alongside Kenya, England, and Argentina. Group C in the women’s draw is expected to be especially intriguing, with traditional rivals India and Pakistan placed in the same group alongside Hong Kong and the Netherlands.
In the men’s category, Malaysia appear to have a favorable path to the knockout rounds, having been placed in Group B with Hong Kong, Burundi, and Azerbaijan.
Tournament favorites India have been drawn in Group C alongside Kenya, Argentina, Nepal, and the Philippines. Pakistan, meanwhile, find themselves in Group A with Tanzania, the United States, Hungary, and Afghanistan. Group D, on the other hand, brings together Sri Lanka, England, Canada, Sierra Leone, and China.
As the countdown begins, all eyes in Malaysia will be on Port Dickson, where the nation has the chance to shine as both host and competitor. With a promising draw in both the men’s and women’s categories, the Malaysian teams have every opportunity to advance and make the country proud. Fans will be hoping the home advantage, coupled with determination and teamwork, can propel Malaysia deep into the tournament. Best wishes go out to the Malaysian squads as they carry the nation’s hopes onto the sands of the inaugural Beach Kabaddi World Cup.
Source: World Kabaddi, Bernama
