Bangladesh and Nepal women's kabaddi teams begin five-match bilateral Test series at National Kabaddi Stadium tomorrow in Dhaka. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, July 16, 2026 (BSS)- The Bangladesh national women's kabaddi team face their Nepalese counter part in the first match of five-match bilateral kabaddi test series beginning tomorrow (Thursday) at the National Kabaddi Stadium in the capital.

Prominent lawyer barrister Zaima Rahman, the daughter of the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will attend the opening match as the Guest of honour.

The Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation (BKF) officially launched the series and unveiled the trophy at a press conference held at the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) auditorium today (Thursday). The federation also announced a 14-member Bangladesh squadmaking Srabani Mollik as captain of the team.

Bangladesh suffered a 3-2 series defeat to Nepal during last year's tour and has also narrowly missed out on medals to the Himalayan nation at the 2019 South Asian Games and the most recent Asian Beach Games. Determined to reverse those setbacks, the hosts have undergone intensive training and are eager to make home advantage count.

BKF general secretary SM Nawaz Sohag said the series would serve as ideal preparation ahead of the Asian Games in Japan this September.

"Playing against a strong team like Nepal before the Asian Games will provide excellent preparation for our players. We played in Nepal last year, and now they have come to Bangladesh. They have beaten us by narrow margins in previous competitions, so this will certainly be a challenging series. However, our main objective is not simply winning or losing, but improving our standard of play and strengthening our preparations," he said.

Sohag also revealed that the Bangladesh men's kabaddi team would soon tour Chinese Taipei as part of its Asian Games preparations.

Speaking at the press conference, Bangladesh team captain Srabani Mollik expressed confidence despite acknowledging Nepal's strength.

"Nepal is a strong side, but this time we are entering the court with the aim of winning. If we can defeat them at home, it will give us tremendous confidence and momentum heading into the Asian Games in Japan," she said.

The visitors are equally confident. Nepal captain Menuka Kumari Rajbanshi and head coach Harina Thapa both expressed optimism that their team would produce disciplined performances and return home with the series trophy.

The remaining matches of the series will be held on July 18, 20, 21 and 23.

Bangladesh Squad

Srabani Mollik (captain), Brishti Biswas, Mosammat Ishrat Jahan Sadika, Rekha Aktari, Meby Chakma, Rupali Akter, Rabeya Khatun, Sucharita Chakma, Khadija, Loba Akter, Tahrim, Mosammat Nahida Akter, Mosammat Sharmin Akter and Nasima Akter.