In a display of grit and skill, the junior girls' kabaddi team from Rajasthan has made the state proud by winning the bronze medal at the prestigious 51st Junior National Kabaddi Championship. The tournament was held in Kolkata, the capital of Bengal, from December 25 to 28, 2025.
A Campaign of Dominance and Determination
The Rajasthan team, under the guidance of coach Surjan Chaudhary, embarked on their national campaign with remarkable aggression. They announced their arrival with a thunderous start, demolishing the Orissa team by a massive margin of 56 points, finishing the match at 73-17. Their fast raiding and impenetrable defense left no room for the opposition.
The momentum continued in their second pool match against a formidable Himachal Pradesh side. In a tightly fought contest, Rajasthan's players showcased excellent strategy and composure to secure a 40-32 victory. They completed the pool stage in style, overpowering Jammu and Kashmir with a dominant 44-17 win. With three consecutive wins, Rajasthan topped their pool and stormed into the knockout stage.
Thrilling Knockouts and Semi-Final Heartbreak
The pre-quarterfinal clash against Uttar Pradesh turned out to be one of the tournament's most exciting matches. In a nail-biting finish, the Rajasthan girls held their nerve in the final moments to clinch a narrow 35-32 win, advancing to the quarter-finals.
Their confidence soaring, Rajasthan faced Chhattisgarh in the quarter-final. Displaying superb coordination and an aggressive pace, the team delivered another commanding performance, winning by 52-26 and booking their spot in the semi-finals.
In the semi-final, they encountered the strong and experienced Haryana team. Despite putting up a tough fight, Rajasthan fell short, with Haryana winning the match 40-28. Although the dream of reaching the final was dashed, the team's spirit remained unbroken.
Bronze Glory and Individual Accolades
By virtue of reaching the semi-finals, the Rajasthan team was awarded the bronze medal, a historic achievement for the state's women's kabaddi. Throughout the championship, left corner player Nikita emerged as a defensive powerhouse, captivating audiences and experts alike. Her stellar performance earned her the prestigious title of "Best Defender of the Tournament."
The team's success was a collective effort, with players like Vasundhra, Palak, and Krishna delivering impressive performances in every match, contributing significantly to the bronze medal win.
Rajasthan Kabaddi Association president Tejaswi Singh Gehlot expressed immense happiness at the team's brilliant performance. He stated that the girls have elevated the state's pride on the national stage. Congratulating the players, coach, and support staff, Gehlot emphasized that this achievement lays a strong foundation for the bright future of women's kabaddi in Rajasthan.
This bronze medal is more than just a sporting triumph; it stands as a powerful source of inspiration and a symbol of confidence for the next generation of athletes from the state.
