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National Para Kabaddi Tournament 2026 Kicks Off in Visakhapatnam

The 3rd National Para Kabaddi Tournament is set to take place at the Andhra MedTech Zone in Visakhapatnam from January 23 to 26, 2026. Organized by Deepa Malik's foundation and AMTZ under the Indian Para Kabaddi Association, it will feature 20 state teams comprising 280 athletes. The event aims to provide a national platform for para-athletes, identify talent, and strengthen the pathway to elite competition. The grand closing ceremony will be held as part of the Republic Day celebrations on January 26th.

Key Points: 3rd National Para Kabaddi Tournament 2026 in Visakhapatnam

  • 20 state teams with 280 para-athletes
  • Organized by Wheeling Happiness Foundation & AMTZ
  • Exclusive for men with orthopaedic limb disabilities
  • Aims to promote talent & inclusive sport
  • Grand closing coincides with Republic Day
2 min read

3rd National Para Kabaddi Tournament to be held at AMTZ, Visakhapatnam from January 23-26

The 3rd National Para Kabaddi Championship for men with orthopaedic disabilities is being held at AMTZ, Visakhapatnam from Jan 23-26, 2026.

"showcasing high-performance para kabaddi and the growing competitive depth of the sport - Indian Para Kabaddi Association"

Visakhapatnam, January 22

The 3rd National Para Kabaddi Tournament is being organised by Padma Shri & Khel Ratna Awardee Deepa Malik's NGO Wheeling Happiness Foundation & Andhra MetTech Zone, Visakhapatnam under the aegis of the Indian Para Kabaddi Association from 23 to 26 January 2026, with the Opening Ceremony on 23rd Jan and Grand Closing Ceremony alongside Republic Day Celebrations on 26th January.

The vision for the 3rd National Para Kabaddi at AMTZ was conceptualised when Deepa Malik and Jitendra Sharma, MD & Founder CEO of AMTZ, met at the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the Para Sports Academy at AMTZ last year, as per a release from IPKA.

This edition marks the third national championship, following the successful earlier editions held in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh under the able guidance of IPKA President Devika Malik, Secretary Kuldeep Singh & Treasurer Rajesh Kumar Lathiya.

The championship will feature 20 state teams, each representing a state, with 280 para-athletes and 90 officials from across the country. The tournament is exclusively for men with orthopaedic limb disabilities, showcasing high-performance *para kabaddi and the growing competitive depth of the sport led by the Indian Para Kabaddi Association.

The event aims to provide a strong national platform for para kabaddi athletes, promote talent identification, and strengthen the pathway from grassroots to elite competition. It also reinforces the shared commitment of all stakeholders to inclusive sport and the empowerment of persons with disabilities through structured, high-visibility national events.

Matches will be conducted over five days, bringing together athletes, coaches, technical officials, and administrators from across India. The tournament is expected to attract attention from sports administrators, policymakers, and the wider sporting community, further enhancing the profile of para kabaddi at the national level.

The Indian Para Kabaddi Association continues to work to expand opportunities for para athletes and build excellence through regular national championships.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Wonderful to see the tournament growing to 20 state teams! The alignment with Republic Day celebrations is perfect symbolism - true sporting spirit and national pride. Wishing all the athletes the very best. Jai Hind!
R
Rahul R
A small point of feedback: while it's great this is for men with orthopaedic disabilities, I hope future editions can be more inclusive and find a way to include women para-athletes as well. The spirit of kabaddi should be for everyone.
K
Karthik V
As someone from Visakhapatnam, I'm so proud our city is hosting this! AMTZ is a world-class facility. Hope there's good local turnout to cheer for the players. The journey from Haryana to UP to Andhra shows the sport is spreading across India. 👏
A
Ashley H
This is inspiring. The structure from grassroots to elite competition mentioned here is crucial for any sport's development. 280 athletes is a significant number. Hope the matches get good media coverage.
M
Manish T
Deepa Malik is a true champion and role model. Her work for para sports is phenomenal. Organising such a big event requires immense effort. Salute to the entire team at IPKA and the Wheeling Happiness Foundation. More power to you!

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