Punjab kabaddi player Simran Kamboj has earned a place in India’s senior women’s team for the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 that takes place in Ahmedabad from October 23 to 31.
The 25-year-old, who comes from Panjawa village in Muktsar district, is the only player from Punjab selected for the 14-member national squad.
Organised by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the championship offers Simran another opportunity to represent India internationally following her gold medal success at the Asian Beach Games earlier this year.
Her selection is a significant achievement for the right raider, who has progressed from a rural farming family to the national kabaddi setup through years of training and competitive experience.
Simran Kamboj Becomes Punjab’s Sole Representative in Indian Squad
Simran, a resident of the Lambi Assembly constituency in Punjab’s Muktsar district, has been named among the 14 players selected for the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship.
Known for her attacking abilities as a right raider, she has steadily developed her skills through regular training and participation in competitive kabaddi.
As the only player from Punjab in the women’s squad, Simran will also represent her home state’s growing presence in Indian kabaddi.
From Farming Family to International Kabaddi Player
Simran’s sporting journey began in Panjawa village, where she grew up in a family without a professional sports background. Her father works in agriculture, while her mother is a homemaker. Her grandfather, Nand Lal, served in the Indian Army before retiring with the rank of Subedar.
Despite having no established sporting tradition in the family, Simran pursued kabaddi and gradually developed into a national-level player.
Her selection for the Commonwealth championship has brought considerable happiness to her relatives.
Her younger brother, Harman Singh, expressed pride in her achievement, describing her inclusion in the Indian team as a special moment for the family.
The milestone highlights the support Simran has received while pursuing her sporting ambitions.
Simran Kamboj’s Education and Kabaddi Training
Alongside her sporting career, Simran has continued her education. She attended Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Warring Khera village, located in Muktsar district, before completing her graduation at Dev Samaj College for Women in Ferozepur.
She is currently pursuing a Master of Physical Education degree at Guru Kashi University in Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda.
Her academic commitments run alongside a demanding training schedule.
To improve her performance, Simran trains regularly at the Sports Authority of India centre in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The training environment has helped her prepare for higher levels of competition and maintain the fitness required for international kabaddi.
Asian Beach Games Gold Strengthens Simran’s Credentials
Simran’s Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship selection follows a successful international appearance earlier in 2026.
In April, she represented India at the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China.
The Indian women’s kabaddi team won the gold medal, continuing its strong record in the competition.
The victory marked India’s sixth consecutive women’s kabaddi gold at the Asian Beach Games.
Simran was also the only player from Punjab in that squad, making the achievement especially significant for her home state.
Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026: Tournament Details
The Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship will take place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, bringing together participating nations for an international competition.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 |
| Dates | October 23–31, 2026 |
| Host city | Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
| Organiser | Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India |
| Indian women’s squad | 14 players |
| Punjab representative | Simran Kamboj |
| Playing position | Right raider |
| Age | 25 |
For Simran, the tournament represents another opportunity to build on her experience with the Indian national team.
Her previous international success could prove valuable as she prepares to compete against teams from other Commonwealth nations.
Simran Kamboj’s Journey Highlights Rural Sporting Talent
Simran’s rise from Panjawa village to the Indian national squad illustrates the opportunities available to talented athletes from rural communities. Her journey has involved balancing education, professional training and competitive kabaddi while receiving support from her family.
The Asian Beach Games gold medal demonstrated her ability to contribute to India’s success on the international stage. Now, her selection for the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship gives her another platform to showcase her skills.
As the only Punjab player in India’s 14-member women’s squad, Simran will aim to build on her previous achievements and continue representing her state and country at the highest level.
