The Bangladesh women’s kabaddi team received a grand reception at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday night, April 28, 2026, following their historic podium finish at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China. The squad was met with flowers, cheers, and a festive atmosphere as they touched down with a bronze medal—Bangladesh’s first in beach kabaddi since 2012.
Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and President of the Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF), personally welcomed the athletes. He praised the “fighting spirit” shown on foreign soil, noting that the medal reflects deep compassion for the country and a level of hard work that has made the entire nation proud.
A Milestone 14 Years in the Making
The 2026 bronze marks a major turning point for women’s kabaddi in Bangladesh, ending a 14-year medal drought at the Asian Beach Games.
- Semi-final Clash: Bangladesh faced the defending champions, India, in a high-voltage semi-final on Sunday.
- The Score: At halftime, Bangladesh trailed narrowly by 7 points (India 22–15 Bangladesh), showing they could compete with the world’s best.
- Final Result: India’s veteran raiders pulled away in the second half, ending the match 50–31.
- Tournament Standing: Per tournament rules, both semi-finalists who do not advance to the final are awarded bronze. Bangladesh finished third in the overall rankings.
Captain Srabani Mallick expressed that while the loss to India was tough, the medal serves as vital fuel for future international assignments, including the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. “This medal will inspire us to fulfill our future goals,” she stated, emphasizing that the team is now aiming for even higher honors in the next cycle.
Reception Dignitaries
The airport event was attended by a host of sports and government officials, highlighting the significance of this achievement:
- SM Newaz Sohag: General Secretary, BKF (who traveled with the team).
- Mohammad Aminul Ehsan: Director, National Sports Council.
- Mahbubur Rahman Shaheen: Deputy Secretary General, Bangladesh Olympic Association.
- Brigadier General Syed Md. Motaher Hossain: Vice President, BKF.
The federation has pledged to take “stronger steps” to further develop women’s kabaddi, capitalizing on the momentum of this success to strengthen grassroots programs and professionalize the sport further.
