SAI Kabaddi Trials 2026–27 Chennai: If you are a young kabaddi player with dreams of making it big, here is a golden opportunity knocking at your door. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre in Chennai has announced the selection trials for the 2026–27 session, and kabaddi trials are set to begin on 5th February 2026. This is a crucial chance for talented boys born between 2009 and 2012 to secure a spot in one of the country’s premier sports training programs.
SAI is well-known for nurturing young athletes and providing world-class coaching and support. The Chennai centre, situated at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, has been a key hub for developing junior talent in several sports, including kabaddi. The upcoming trials will select promising players for residential training, meaning selected athletes will receive structured training and support to develop their skills in a professional environment.
What You Need to Know About the SAI Kabaddi Trials
The kabaddi selection trials will be held over two days, starting from 5th February 2026 to 6th February 2026. Candidates are expected to report at 7:30 AM at the SAI Training Centre located inside the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai. Since the trials are residential, selected athletes will undergo rigorous training and coaching to refine their skills.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria for SAI Kabaddi Trials 2026–27
To be eligible for the trials, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Age Group: Born between 2009 and 2012
- Participation: Must have competed at the state level, or have won a district-level medal
- Gender: Boys only
- Category: Residential training
This ensures that the candidates already have some competitive exposure and are serious about pursuing kabaddi professionally.
Documents Required (Original + Xerox)
For verification, candidates must bring the following documents in original as well as photocopies:
- Selection/Registration Form (Download PDF)
- Date of Birth Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Sports Achievement Certificate
- 5 Passport Size Photographs
- Medical Fitness Certificate (Original)
- Xerox Copies of All Certificates with Attestation
It is important to note that attestation of original certificates is mandatory, so make sure your documents are complete and properly verified before the trial day.
Also Read: Selection Trial for 72th Senior National Kabaddi Championship (Men & Women)
What to Carry and What Not to Expect
Candidates are required to bring their own proper sports kit. This includes sports shoes, knee pads, jerseys, shorts, and any other personal equipment needed for kabaddi training and trials.
However, it is also important to understand that food and accommodation are not provided during the trial days, based on the available information. Therefore, candidates should plan their stay and meals accordingly.
For further information or clarifications, you can contact the official number 9677031514 or follow the updates on the SAI Chennai social media pages.
Also Read: Kabaddi Players Selection Process for Kabaddi Champions League (Haryana): A Complete Inside Look
What Happens After Selection?
If selected, trainees will become part of the SAI Training Centre’s residential program. The best part of this scheme is that selected athletes receive government-funded training and support, which includes boarding, lodging, coaching, and scientific training methods.
SAI training centres usually follow a structured system to develop athletes, including:
- Scientific training programs
- Professional coaching
- Regular exposure to tournaments
- Access to gym and fitness facilities
- Medical support and insurance
- Sports equipment and training kit
- Education support
Even though the exact fee structure may vary slightly from centre to centre, the financial burden on trainees is minimal. Typically, trainees might have to pay a small annual insurance fee (around ₹150). Additionally, depending on the scheme, a monthly stipend between ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 may be provided. (Officially Not Confirmed)
This means that for a young kabaddi player, getting selected into SAI is not just about training, but also about receiving long-term support to build a professional career.
About SAI Training Centre, Chennai
The SAI Training Centre in Chennai is part of a nationwide network of training centres that aim to groom junior sports talent from grassroots levels. The centre caters to athletes aged 10 to 18 years, offering specialized coaching in sports such as athletics, football, hockey, volleyball, and kabaddi.
SAI centres are designed to bridge the gap in regional sports infrastructure and ensure that talented youngsters receive high-quality training irrespective of their background. In Chennai, the centre is equipped with dormitories, floodlit training areas, qualified coaches, and accessibility facilities for differently-abled athletes.
Under the STC scheme, state governments provide infrastructure, while SAI provides boarding, lodging, scientific training, equipment, and minor maintenance support. Currently, India has 67 STC centres across the country with more than 4,800 trainees, highlighting the scale and importance of this initiative.
This is a once-in-a-year chance
If you are a young kabaddi player from Tamil Nadu or nearby states and meet the eligibility criteria, this trial is a chance you should not miss. SAI Chennai’s training program can transform your talent into a professional sporting career. The key is to prepare well, bring all required documents, and arrive on time with the right sports kit.
Remember, opportunities like this come once a year, and being selected could be the turning point in your kabaddi journey. So, train hard, stay focused, and give your best at the trials!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available details and announcements related to the SAI Training Centre, Chennai Kabaddi Selection Trials 2026–27. Dates, eligibility criteria, venue details, and facilities are subject to change at the discretion of the Sports Authority of India. Candidates are advised to verify all details through official SAI sources or contact the authorities directly before attending the trials. The publisher of this content is not responsible for any changes, errors, or decisions made by the organizing authority.
