DHAKA, Oct 16, 2025 (BSS) - The IKF Women's Kabaddi World Cup 2025 is set to be held in Bangladesh from November 15-25 in the capital, marking the Festival of Youth 2025.

In this regard, the Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) organized a press conference today (Thursday) at the Bangladesh Olympic Association Dutch-Bangla Bank Auditorium regarding the preparations and goals for the upcoming Kabaddi World Cup.

National Sports Council Executive Director Kazi Nazrul Islam, BKF Vice President IGP (Prison) Brig Gen Syed Muhammad Motahar Hussain, its General Secretary SM Newaz Sohag, and Joint Secretary Abdul Haque were present at the press conference.

After the first Women's Kabaddi World Cup held in 2012, this year's tournament will feature hosts Bangladesh, Argentina, Chinese Taipei, Germany, Netherlands, Iran, India, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Nepal, Thailand, Uganda, and Zanzibar, who have confirmed their participation, while Pakistan and Poland have been kept as standbys.

The BKF informed that the government has already allocated the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium for this event. Coordination is ongoing with relevant government agencies to ensure the smooth arrival, departure, security, accommodation, and local travel of foreign teams.

National Sports Council Executive Director Kazi Nazrul Islam said that security issues should be taken seriously as it is the Women's World Cup. "Women will play, so the issue is very sensitive. We are taking the issue of security seriously. We'll work in coordination with all departments," he added.

BKF General Secretary SM Newaz Sohag said: "There is sufficient support from the government. We are getting cooperation in all matters... I express my gratitude to the government."

He said that the budget for the World Cup is Taka ten crore and forty-four lakh. Taka five crore will be available from the government, and efforts are being made to raise the remaining funds from sponsors.

Sohag hoped that it would be possible to increase the funds of the BKF by successfully completing the World Cup.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh national women's kabaddi team is currently undergoing intensive training at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan to compete in the tournament.

Regarding Bangladesh's goal in the World Cup, Sohag said Bangladesh is currently fifth in the world rankings of kabaddi, but they have a chance to rise to the second or third position this time.

The General Secretary said Bangladesh is currently ranked fifth in the Kabaddi World Cup and they have a chance to improve their ranking.