A young kabaddi player from Gujarat’s Kutch district has brought pride to the state after earning a place in the Indian women’s squad for the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026. Sabhaiben Gadhvi, from Mota Bhadia village in Mandvi taluka, has been selected to represent India in the international tournament being held in Ahmedabad.
Her achievement is particularly significant because she comes from a farming family and began developing her sporting talent through school-level competitions. Her journey highlights the role of determination, coaching and sports training programmes in helping rural athletes reach the national and international stage.
According to Gujarati media reports, Sabhaiben is the only woman from Gujarat selected for the Indian team for this championship.
Who Is Sabhaiben Gadhvi?
Sabhaiben Gadhvi, also reported as Sabhaiben Vachhiyabhai Gadhvi, belongs to Mota Bhadia village in Mandvi taluka of Kutch district.
Her interest in kabaddi developed during her school years at Mota Bhadia Primary School No. 2, where she studied from Classes 1 to 8. She participated in school-level sporting activities, including Khel Mahakumbh, which helped her develop her skills and gain recognition.
Her progress reflects how school sports competitions can provide a foundation for young athletes who aspire to compete at higher levels.
From a Village School to the Indian Kabaddi Team
A major turning point in Sabhaiben’s sporting journey came in 2018, when she appeared for the selection examination for the Sports Authority of Gujarat’s sports school programme, known as DLSS. She reportedly secured first rank across Gujarat in the selection examination. She subsequently joined Navjivan Vidyalaya in Morbi for Class 9, where she received more intensive kabaddi training.
Her development continued through specialised sports programmes:
- 2018: Secured first rank in Gujarat in the Sports Authority of Gujarat sports-school selection examination.
- After selection: Joined Navjivan Vidyalaya in Morbi for further education and kabaddi training.
- 2022–23: Received training at Swami Vivekanand Residential Training Centre.
- 2023–24: Continued advanced training under the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
The guidance of her school principal, Mayurbhai Joshi, and teachers and coaches Hareshkumar Pandya and Madansinh Chauhan also played an important role in identifying and developing her sporting ability, according to local reporting.
Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026: Ahmedabad Hosts Historic Tournament
The Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 is being held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad from October 23 to 31.
The inaugural championship brings together national teams from Commonwealth countries for men’s and women’s competitions. It is a significant international platform for kabaddi and an opportunity to showcase the sport to a wider audience.
India’s women’s team is led by captain Nidhi Sharma, with Ritu Mitharwal serving as vice-captain. Sabhaiben Gadhvi is among the selected players representing the country. The tournament’s knockout stage is scheduled for October 30, followed by the finals on October 31. Fans can check the latest fixtures and results through the official tournament and sports coverage platforms.
Why Sabhaiben Gadhvi’s Selection Is Important for Gujarat
Sabhaiben’s selection is more than a personal sporting milestone. It brings attention to the talent emerging from villages across Gujarat and the opportunities available through school sports, structured training and state-level sports programmes.
Her journey demonstrates how athletes from modest backgrounds can progress when they receive the right opportunities and sustained support.
Her parents’ encouragement, along with the guidance of teachers and coaches, has also been highlighted in reports about her achievement. Her story may inspire more girls from rural communities to pursue kabaddi and other competitive sports.
Kutch Celebrates a Proud Sporting Achievement
Sabhaiben’s selection has brought recognition to Mota Bhadia village, Mandvi taluka and Kutch district. Her progress from school-level kabaddi to India’s women’s squad offers an encouraging example for aspiring athletes across Gujarat.
As the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship reaches its decisive stages in Ahmedabad, her selection adds a local story of determination and sporting ambition to a major international event being hosted in Gujarat.
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