India has produced several outstanding women kabaddi players who have helped the sport grow both nationally and internationally. From powerful raiders to dependable defenders and inspiring captains, these players have played important roles in the success of the India women kabaddi team.
While choosing the best female kabaddi player in India is difficult, Mamatha Poojary stands out because of her achievements, leadership and influence on women’s kabaddi. Here is a look at five of the greatest female kabaddi players in Indian history.
1. Mamatha Poojary
Mamatha Poojary is widely regarded as the best female kabaddi player in India and is popularly known as the “Kabaddi Queen.” A talented raider and leader, she played a major role during India’s period of dominance in international women’s kabaddi.
Poojary led India to victory in the inaugural Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in 2012. She was also part of the teams that won gold medals at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Her reach, tactical awareness and calm approach made her one of India’s most respected players.
She received the Arjuna Award in 2014 for her contribution to Indian sport.
2. Abhilasha Mhatre
Abhilasha Mhatre is another name among the most famous Indian women kabaddi players. Known for her quick footwork, bonus points and ability to execute hand touches, she was a dangerous raider at the highest level.
Mhatre won gold at the 2012 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup and the 2014 Asian Games. Her career was particularly impressive because she returned to top level competition after undergoing serious knee surgeries.
She later captained the national side and became a major figure in domestic kabaddi while representing Indian Railways. She received the Arjuna Award in 2015.
3. V. Tejaswini Bai
V. Tejaswini Bai combined aggressive raiding with strong leadership. She captained India to gold at the 2010 Asian Games, when women’s kabaddi was introduced at the Asian Games.
Tejaswini was also part of India’s gold medal winning teams at the 2012 World Cup and 2014 Asian Games. Her ability to contribute in different areas made her an important all rounder for the India women kabaddi team.
She received the Arjuna Award in 2011.
4. Ritu Negi
Ritu Negi represents the defensive strength of Indian women’s kabaddi. A right corner defender, she has been one of India’s most dependable players over the past decade.
Negi played a key role in India’s return to the top at the Asian Games. She captained the team to gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, held in 2023, after India had won silver at the 2018 Jakarta Games.
Her consistency, defensive skills and leadership have made her one of the greatest female kabaddi players of the modern era. She received the Arjuna Award in 2023.
5. Payel Chowdhury
Payel Chowdhury has also earned her place among India’s leading women’s kabaddi stars. A raider and all rounder, she was known for her efficiency and tactical maturity during important matches.
She was part of India’s gold medal winning team at the 2014 Asian Games and later helped the country win gold at the 2019 South Asian Games. She also played a key role in India’s silver medal campaign at the 2018 Asian Games.
Chowdhury received the Arjuna Award in 2019.
Final Verdict
Mamatha Poojary has the strongest claim to being the best female kabaddi player in India. Her World Cup success, two Asian Games gold medals, leadership and impact on the international growth of women’s kabaddi set her apart.
However, Abhilasha Mhatre, V. Tejaswini Bai, Ritu Negi and Payel Chowdhury have also made lasting contributions. Together, these stars represent the rich history and continued success of the India women kabaddi team.
