Today is World Kabaddi Day. But mention kabaddi, and many still struggle to grasp the concept of the game in Malaysia.
With a 4,000-year history, this traditional Indian sport sees two teams compete on opposite halves of a court, aiming to score points by raiding the opponent’s half and tagging out players while the defending team tries to prevent them.
The Malaysian team has participated in the Asian Games since 2002 and was part of the inaugural World Cup (international format) in 2004. The sport will also make its debut at the SEA Games in Thailand later this year.
Yet, the Kabaddi Association of Malaysia (KAM) remains unsure if the sport will continue to be a permanent fixture in the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
“No, we’ve not heard from anyone yet,” was the immediate response from KAM president E. Padmanathan regarding kabaddi’s inclusion in next year’s Sukma in Selangor.
“We are hoping for the best. Sukma can be a great platform to unearth talents and identify athletes for the national team.
“We are looking forward to a good trip to Thailand (for the SEA Games) and hope to see kabaddi as part of the SEA Games when Malaysia hosts the 2027 edition. Next year’s Sukma can play a crucial role in our preparation for the regional games,” he added.
In 2023, officials representing kabaddi and silambam were left reeling after learning that their sports would not be included in the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma). Padmanathan, who was KAM’s honorary secretary at the time, even vowed to write to the prime minister to get the sport included in the national games.
Kabaddi eventually made it into Sukma Sarawak in 2024, where the Federal Territories teams won both the men’s and women’s gold medals.
Once again, KAM officials are on edge as the confirmed list of events for the 2026 Sukma Selangor will only be announced after Hari Raya next month. Pickleball and e-sports are among the other sports hoping to make the cut.
KAM wrote to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh twice – on Jan 22 and Feb 4 – regarding kabaddi’s inclusion in Sukma Selangor. The national body also sent a letter to Selangor Sports Council director Mohammad Nizam Marjugi on March 12 requesting a meeting. The association has yet to receive a response.
“We truly hope to see kabaddi included,” Padmanathan added.
