Sports
Himachal Women’s Kabaddi Team Clinches Gold for the 3rd Consecutive Year, Defeats Haryana in National Games 2025
Himachal’s Unbeaten Women’s Kabaddi Team Triumphs Again, Secures 3rd Consecutive Gold at National Games 2025
The Himachal Pradesh women’s kabaddi team made history on Sunday by clinching the gold medal for the third consecutive time in the National Games-2025, currently underway in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Their remarkable victory comes after an unbeaten run throughout the tournament, including a thrilling final where they defeated Haryana to secure the prestigious title once again.
The Himachal Pradesh women’s kabaddi team, undefeated throughout the National Games-2025, triumphed over Haryana in the final to secure their third consecutive gold medal. This victory adds to their previous golds in the 2022 National Games in Ahmedabad and the 2023 edition in Goa, solidifying their dominance in Indian kabaddi.
In addition to their remarkable performance at the National Games-2025, the Himachal Pradesh women’s kabaddi team also clinched the gold medal at the National Kabaddi Championship-2024, further cementing their reputation as one of the top teams in the country.
The victorious Himachal Pradesh women’s kabaddi team was led by the talented Pushpa Rana, 26, hailing from Millah village in Shillai, Sirmaur district. Her leadership played a crucial role in guiding the team to their third consecutive gold medal at the National Games-2025.
Pushpa Rana, the captain of the Himachal Pradesh women’s kabaddi team, was also a key player in the Indian Kabaddi team that clinched the gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in China in 2022. Her remarkable achievements continue to inspire her team and elevate the sport in the state.
Jyoti Rana, 27, one of the standout raiders of the Himachal Pradesh women’s kabaddi team, hails from Jakhed village near Kandaghat in Solan district. Like her captain, Pushpa, Jyoti was also part of the Indian Kabaddi team that competed in the 19th Asian Games in China. Sharing their journey, Jyoti mentioned, “We are all from different parts of Himachal Pradesh. I am the only one from Solan, while Pushpa is from Sirmaur.” Their diverse backgrounds only add to the strength and unity of the team.
“Many of our teammates come from Chamba, Kinnaur, Mandi, and other districts,” said Jyoti Rana, reflecting on the diversity of her team. “We have all been trained at various sports centers for several years, honing our skills. I started playing kabaddi when I was 14. Coming from a simple family, my father is a driver, and my mother is a housewife. Alongside kabaddi, I am also pursuing my master’s in Hindi language,” she shared, highlighting her dedication to both sports and academics.
Kabaddi coach Gopal Dasta shared, “Several of our women kabaddi players, who competed in the National Games-2025, have been selected for the prestigious India camp this year. This national-level training course is reserved for a select group of elite players. What stands out is that all these talented women come from rural backgrounds and have been passionately playing kabaddi for the last seven to eight years, showcasing the immense potential and dedication emerging from grassroots levels.”
Four members of the team, including captain Pushpa Rana, are currently undergoing training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Dharamshala, Kangra district. This facility has been instrumental in shaping the skills of Himachal Pradesh’s kabaddi players. Over the years, the women’s kabaddi team has consistently excelled at both national and international levels, proving their strength and determination in every competition they participate in.
“This is the third consecutive time our women’s kabaddi team has clinched the gold in the National Games,” said Raj Kumar Bharanta, president of the State Kabaddi Federation. He further added, “India’s top eight teams, who had excelled in the National Kabaddi Championship-2024, competed in the National Games-2025 held in Uttarakhand. With the exception of two team members, all players were part of the team that won the gold in the Senior National Kabaddi Games 2024. Most of these players are from the SAI centres in Dharamshala and Bilaspur, as well as the Khelo India Centre in Nalagarh.”
Himachal Pradesh triumphed over Haryana with a 27-22 victory in the final. The Himachal team advanced to the final after defeating Rajasthan, while Haryana secured their spot by beating Maharashtra in the semi-final.
The eight teams competing in the National Games-2025 were from Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal team included players like Sakshi Sharma, Jyoti, Shagun, Shivani, Jaspreet, Anshul, Champa, and Bhavna. Team coach Gopal Dasta praised the raiding skills of Sakshi Sharma, Jyoti, Pushpa, and Bhavna, highlighting their stellar performances throughout the tournament.
Two Women from Himachal Win Medals in Wushu at Uttarakhand Championship
Two talented women athletes from Himachal Pradesh brought home bronze medals in the Wushu Championship held in Uttarakhand. Madhu Devi claimed bronze in the Wushu Sanda category, while Divya Rana earned bronze in the Taolu Qiangshu event. Both athletes showcased exceptional skill and determination, adding to the state’s growing reputation in martial arts.
