Press conference for 1 commonwealth kabaddi championship
IKF General Secretary Mr. Tejasvi Gehlot (right) and AKFI General Secretary Mr. Jitendra Pran Singh Thakur (left) addressing media in Ahmedabad, India.
Subject
1st Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship, event press conference held in Ahmedabad, India addressed by International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) General Secretary Mr. Tejasvi Gehlot and host Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) General Secretary Mr. Jitendra Pran Singh Thakur.
In a major media event ahead of the historic tournament, a joint press conference was convened in Ahmedabad, India by International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) General Secretary Mr. Tejasvi Gehlot and host Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) General Secretary Mr. Jitendra Pran Singh Thakur to officially introduce the 1st Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 to the global sports community.
The press conference was graced by prominent national Kabaddi superstars and captains, including Mr. Surjeet Singh, Mr. Naveen Kumar, and women’s team captain Ms. Nidhi Sharma. The leadership shared comprehensive insights into the scale, preparations, and international participation anticipated for this historic championship.
Official Mascot & Match Jersey Unveiling
A central highlight of the event was the grand unveiling of the Official Tournament Playing Jerseys and the vibrant Tournament Mascot. The majestic lion mascot, symbolizing strength, agility, courage, and pride, was formally presented alongside the official blue team kit emblazoned with the Ashoka Chakra and tournament insignia.
Addressing the press, IKF General Secretary Mr. Tejasvi Gehlot expressed his enthusiasm for taking Kabaddi to the wider Commonwealth fraternity:
"The 1st Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship represents a monumental step forward in our mission to globalize the sport of Kabaddi. With endorsement from Commonwealth Sport, the government, and top sports authorities, Ahmedabad is ready to host a world-class tournament that will inspire fans and athletes across the Commonwealth nations."
Host AKFI General Secretary Mr. Jitendra Pran Singh Thakur highlighted the venue readiness at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, Amdavad, assuring the highest standards of hospitality, sports infrastructure, and safety for all international contingents, officials, and fans.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 23rd to 31st October 2026, supported by Commonwealth Sport, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Govt. of India), the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Sports Authority of Gujarat, IKF, and AKFI. Comprehensive live television and digital streaming will be broadcast across India and globally on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
Press Conference Photo Gallery
Browse photos from the press conference, jersey reveal, and mascot showcase (Click any image to view full screen).
