SEA Games 2025 Welcomes Kabaddi, Woodball, and Teqball as New Medal Sports

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 7:16 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locale: MALAYSIA

SEA Games 2025: Kabaddi, Woodball and Teqball Make Their Medal‑Sport Debut

The upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2025—set to be hosted by Singapore—has added three new disciplines to its already‑expanded medal‑sport list: kabaddi, woodball and teqball. The decision, announced by the SEA Games Federation (SEAF) and the Singapore Sports Council (SSC), reflects a broader strategy to diversify the Games’ sporting portfolio, appeal to younger audiences, and provide more medal opportunities for the region’s athletes. Below is a comprehensive look at why these sports have been chosen, what they mean for the Games, and how they fit into the larger picture of Southeast Asian sport development.

1. Why Add New Sports?

A. Growth of Regional Interest

Kabaddi, a contact sport that originated in South Asia, has seen a surge in popularity across SEA nations, especially among Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Woodball, a hybrid of golf, croquet and billiards played on a green, has gained a niche following in Singapore and Thailand. Teqball, a hybrid of football and table tennis played on a curved table, has exploded in popularity on social media, with Southeast Asian athletes quickly mastering the sport’s rapid, acrobatic exchanges. The SEAF’s inclusion policy prioritises sports that already enjoy a competitive ecosystem within the region.

B. Encouraging Youth Participation

The three new sports are relatively low‑cost to develop and can be played on modest facilities, making them ideal for grassroots development. By incorporating them into the SEA Games, SEAF hopes to spur national sporting federations to establish youth programmes and competitive structures, thereby bolstering the talent pipeline for future international competitions.

C. Logistical Feasibility

All three sports have relatively simple venue requirements. Kabaddi can be played in a standard indoor sports hall; woodball can be hosted on the existing Singapore Woodball Club grounds; teqball requires a specialised table but can be accommodated at the new Singapore Sports Hub’s multi‑sport complex. This ensures that the new sports can be staged without significant extra infrastructure investment.

2. The Sports In Detail

Linking to the governing bodies offers readers deeper insights into rules, rankings and upcoming championships: - Asian Kabaddi Federation
- International Woodball Federation
- World Teqball Federation

3. The Decision‑Making Process

The SEAF’s inclusion of new sports follows a transparent, multi‑stage process:

1. Proposal Submission: National Olympic Committees (NOCs) submit proposals for inclusion, citing sporting relevance, participation numbers and logistical feasibility.
2. Consultation with Federations: The SEAF consults with the relevant international federations to confirm that the sport meets the SEA Games’ eligibility criteria.
3. Stakeholder Feedback: Athletes, coaches and event organisers provide input on potential scheduling conflicts and venue requirements.
4. Final Approval: The SEAF’s executive committee votes on the proposals. In the case of 2025, the proposals for kabaddi, woodball and teqball received unanimous support.

A 2018 SEAF policy document, “Sport Selection Guidelines for the SEA Games”, details these steps. Read the guidelines here.

4. Expected Impact on the Games

A. Increased Medal Events

With the addition of these three sports, the total number of medal events will rise from 42 to 45. This means a greater spread of medals across nations and more opportunities for athletes who specialise in non‑traditional sports.

B. Broader Regional Representation

Indonesia is expected to be a powerhouse in kabaddi, while the Philippines and Vietnam will likely field strong teqball squads. Woodball will see strong competition from Singapore and Thailand, potentially giving Singapore a home‑advantage.

C. Boost in Media Coverage

Teqball, in particular, is highly visual and lends itself well to digital platforms. This aligns with SEAF’s strategy to boost the Games’ online engagement through live streaming and social‑media highlights.

5. Voices from the Field

• Dr. Wong Teck Cheng, SSC Chief Executive: “Adding kabaddi, woodball and teqball reflects our commitment to inclusive sport. These disciplines have thriving communities in the region, and their inclusion will inspire the next generation of athletes.”
• Kamal Pahari, President of the Indonesian Kabaddi Federation: “We’re excited to compete for medals in our home soil. Kabaddi has a strong grassroots base in Indonesia, and this platform will help us grow our talent pipeline.”
• Lina Tan, Philippine Teqball Champion: “Teqball’s dynamic nature is perfect for showcasing skill. We’re already training hard for the 2025 Games, hoping to bring home the gold for our country.”

6. Looking Ahead

While the inclusion of kabaddi, woodball and teqball is a positive step, SEAF will continue to monitor participation levels and competitiveness. If these sports prove successful, the SEAF might consider adding others—such as beach handball or esports—in future editions.

Additionally, national federations will need to invest in coaching education, athlete development programmes and facilities to maximise their chances of success. The Singapore Sports Council has already announced a $10 million investment in a multi‑sport hub that will house the new sports’ training and competition venues.

Bottom Line

The SEA Games 2025’s inclusion of kabaddi, woodball and teqball marks a significant milestone for Southeast Asian sport. By blending traditional sports with emerging, youth‑oriented disciplines, the Games aim to foster regional unity, broaden participation, and keep pace with the evolving landscape of international competition. Fans and athletes alike should keep an eye on the Games’ official calendar for dates and venues, as the region prepares to celebrate a new era of sporting diversity.