Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav met the Indian women’s kabaddi team, gold medalists at the 2026 Asian Games, at Rail Bhawan.

In a special session held at Rail Bhavan, Central Minister Ashwini Vaishnav met the Indian women’s kabaddi team that won the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games. During the meeting, the team’s captain, coach and key players shared their journey in the sport, the challenging training environment and the success achieved in international competition. Minister Vaishnav, praising the players’ achievements, said that women’s kabaddi has given India new heights on the sports map and this achievement should be regarded as national pride. She announced new initiatives to strengthen sports infrastructure, improve training facilities and identify young talent.

Kabaddi, an integral part of India’s traditional sports heritage, has strengthened its hold on the international stage in recent years. The women’s team at the 2026 Asian Games outperformed opponents with speed, strategic play and teamwork, enabling India to set a record of winning a third consecutive gold medal. The Indian Ministry of Sports considers this victory a significant milestone for the development of women’s sports. Minister Vaishnav further said that the government, together with the sports ministry, plans to establish special training centres for kabaddi, increase participation in more international competitions and expand the financial assistance package for players.

This meeting made clear that the government and sports bodies are committed to making Indian women’s kabaddi more competitive on the global stage. In the future, steps such as a national‑level kabaddi league, scholarship programmes and expansion of sports facilities in rural areas are expected to give young talent a platform. These measures will not only strengthen the status of the sport but also contribute to women’s empowerment and national pride.