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Andhra Pradesh Launches 51st Junior Women's National Kabaddi Championship Camp

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 20:22 GMT by The Hans India

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51st Junior Women’s National Kabaddi Championship Camp Gets Underway in Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh Sports Council has officially launched the preparatory camp for the 51st Junior Women’s National Kabaddi Championship, marking a significant step toward boosting women’s kabaddi at the grassroots level. The training programme, which began on 3 March 2025 at the state’s newly upgraded sports complex in Mangalagiri, will see 120 young athletes from across the state converge for a month‑long intensive regimen that blends fitness, skill drills, and tactical learning under the watchful eye of national and state‑level coaches.

Why the Camp Matters

Kabaddi, once a village pastime, has evolved into a professional sport with a dedicated fan base, especially following the rise of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Women’s participation in kabaddi has surged in the last decade, spurred by the Indian women’s national team’s successes in the 2022 Asian Games and the 2023 Kabaddi World Cup. The Junior Women’s National Championship serves as a key platform for spotting young talent that can be groomed for international duty.

As the national governing body, the Kabaddi Federation of India (KFI) – whose website provides an overview of all national competitions – notes, “The junior championships are the lifeline of the sport’s future. They offer a structured environment for young athletes to learn the fundamentals of kabaddi while competing against peers from other states.”

The Camp’s Structure

The training schedule, released by the Andhra Pradesh Sports Council, breaks down into three phases:

The camp will also feature a nutritionist who will educate athletes on diet plans that optimize performance. The comprehensive approach mirrors the training methods employed by the national squad and aims to ensure that all participants meet the high standards required at the championship level.

Who Is Involved

A mix of senior state coaches and KFI-appointed mentors will oversee the camp. Among the coaching staff are:

• S. Sreekanth – Former national team defender and current head coach of the Andhra Pradesh junior women’s squad.
• N. Anjali – Former captain of the PKL Women’s team, who will conduct specialized workshops on mental resilience and leadership.
• Dr. Ramesh Kumar – Physiotherapist and strength‑conditioning specialist.

Participants were selected through a rigorous trial process held in late January and early February. The selection committee, chaired by Sports Minister R. Prasad, visited 15 district kabaddi academies to handpick athletes based on skill, stamina, and teamwork.

“We want athletes who can play both as aggressive tacklers and as savvy raiders,” said Sports Minister R. Prasad. “This camp is not just about training; it’s about shaping a team that can represent Andhra Pradesh with pride and skill.”

A total of 120 athletes – 70 from the Andhra region and 50 from the Coastal districts – will represent the state in the upcoming championship slated for 15 April 2025 in Lucknow.

Links to Further Reading

• Kabaddi Federation of India (KFI) – The official portal lists all national championships, including schedules, past winners, and the federation’s vision for the sport’s growth.
• Andhra Pradesh Sports Council – Their website offers details on state‑level training facilities and upcoming sports programmes.
• Pro Kabaddi League – The league’s official site highlights the rise of women’s kabaddi, including player profiles and recent match highlights.

These resources provide additional context on the significance of the junior championships and how they feed into the national and international kabaddi ecosystem.

The Bigger Picture

The launch of the 51st Junior Women’s National Kabaddi Championship camp aligns with the Government of India’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative, which encourages women’s participation in sports. By investing in early‑stage training for girls aged 12–17, the state is addressing a long‑standing gender gap in sports participation.

Moreover, the camp’s curriculum underscores the importance of a holistic development model: beyond physical prowess, it includes mental conditioning and nutritional education. This approach reflects a modern understanding that elite athletes must be well‑rounded individuals to perform consistently at the national level.

What to Expect Next

The camp’s first phase concluded with a spirited opening ceremony attended by local dignitaries, who praised the state’s commitment to nurturing young talent. Over the coming weeks, the athletes will undergo a series of inter‑team matches and fitness tests to fine‑tune their selection for the championship roster.

Once the camp ends, the final squad will be announced. The team will then travel to Lucknow for the 51st Junior Women’s National Kabaddi Championship, where they will face teams from across the country, including the reigning champions from Punjab and Tamil Nadu. A victory would secure a coveted spot in the senior national squad and could catapult these athletes onto the world stage, perhaps even the next Asian Games.

In a world that increasingly celebrates women’s sports, the Andhra Pradesh Junior Women’s National Kabaddi Championship camp stands as a testament to the state's forward‑thinking approach. By providing world‑class training and exposure to young athletes, Andhra Pradesh is not only preparing for a single championship; it is forging the next generation of kabaddi stars.