Pakistan withdraws from Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad

Pakistan withdrew from the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026, which is scheduled to be held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, India, from October 23 to 31. The late pullout reduced the planned men's tournament field from 14 countries to 13.

The event is the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship and represents the second major kabaddi competition of the calendar year. India’s men’s and women’s teams won gold medals at the Asian Games 2026, and the host nation is preparing to contest the first edition of the Commonwealth event.

Pakistan failed to win a medal at the Asian Games, marking the first time the team failed to secure at least a bronze medal in kabaddi. With international kabaddi competitions limited and major teams such as Iran and Chinese Taipei not participating, Pakistan had a good opportunity to win a medal; by withdrawing they forfeit that chance to compete for a podium finish.

The primary reason given for Pakistan’s decision is ongoing political tensions with India, compounded by the fact the tournament is being held in Ahmedabad. When India hosted the Kabaddi World Cup in 2016, Pakistan also opted out; India won the World Cup by defeating Iran in the final. The report cites increased tensions between the nations following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Recent sports diplomacy between the two countries is also referenced: Pakistan did not travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026 and rescheduled all their matches to Sri Lanka, and India have also stood their ground and do not travel to Pakistan for tournaments.

With Pakistan absent, 13 countries will take part in the first Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, which is due to begin on October 23.