Press Release – Hyderabad, 2 November 2026
The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) held its Executive Committee meeting in Hyderabad on Sunday, chaired by President Kasani Gnaneshwar. In a media briefing following the meeting, Gnaneshwar reaffirmed the federation’s strategic objective of securing Kabaddi’s inclusion in the 2036 Olympic Games and also highlighted ongoing efforts to obtain a place for the sport in the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
He announced that the IKF is preparing to organise a Kabaddi World Cup, with an open invitation to interested nations to submit hosting proposals; the final host will be selected after reviewing the expressions of interest received. In parallel, the federation intends to launch a Women’s Kabaddi Premier League in the near term, aiming to replicate the success of the men’s Kabaddi Pro Games and to promote greater participation of women athletes at the international level.
The federation reported that 62 countries have now become members of the IKF, reflecting expanding global interest in the sport. Gnaneshwar emphasized the IKF’s commitment to supporting players worldwide by improving facilities, providing professional training, and offering incentives to strengthen Kabaddi’s global profile.
Directors Venkatesh Bandari and Govind Narayan Sharma, together with Executive Committee members from various countries—including individuals identified as Osama and Sharma—attended the meeting.