Selection Trial for Nationals 2026: Kabaddi has always held a special place in the sporting culture of India, and in recent years, Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as a region producing disciplined, passionate and talented kabaddi players. Continuing this strong tradition, the Jammu & Kashmir Amateur Kabaddi Association (JKAKA) has officially announced and conducted the selection trials for the 72th Senior National Kabaddi Championship for both Men and Women, giving aspiring players a golden opportunity to represent the Union Territory at the national level.
These trials are not just routine selections; they are a crucial platform for identifying the best kabaddi talent from across Jammu & Kashmir and preparing them to compete against top teams from all over India. With detailed planning, transparent selection criteria, and strict adherence to national federation guidelines, the association has once again shown its commitment to the growth of kabaddi in the region.
Jammu & Kashmir Amateur Kabaddi Association: Backbone of Kabaddi in the UT
The Jammu & Kashmir Amateur Kabaddi Association (JKAKA) plays a key role in promoting, regulating, and developing kabaddi across the Union Territory. From organizing district-level competitions to conducting state championships and national selection trials, JKAKA ensures that players receive proper exposure and competitive experience.
Under the leadership of General Secretary Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, the association has maintained a structured approach towards talent identification and development. JKAKA is an affiliated unit of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), which means all its activities strictly follow national standards and regulations. This affiliation also ensures that players selected from Jammu & Kashmir get a fair and recognized pathway to participate in prestigious national tournaments.
Importance of the 72th Senior National Kabaddi Championship
The Senior National Kabaddi Championship is one of the most respected tournaments in Indian kabaddi. Participation in this championship not only brings pride to the state but also opens doors for players to be noticed by national selectors, professional leagues, and institutional teams.
The 72th edition of the championship is expected to be highly competitive, with teams from every state and union territory fielding their strongest squads. For Jammu & Kashmir players, performing well at this level can significantly boost their sporting careers.
Selection Trials for 72th Senior National Kabaddi Championship (Men)
The selection trials for the Men’s team are scheduled to be held from 4th to 6th February 2026 at Subash Stadium, Udhampur. According to Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, the trials will begin daily at 1:00 PM and will be conducted in a professional and transparent manner.
These trials aim to select the most deserving players who will represent Jammu & Kashmir in the 72th Senior National Kabaddi Championship (Men), which is scheduled to take place at the Indoor Sports Complex, New Sama Road, near Chanakyapuri Society, Vadodara (Gujarat) from 24th February to 27th February 2026.
The championship venue in Vadodara is well-known for hosting major sporting events, and it is expected to provide world-class facilities for players and officials. Along with the players, experienced competition managers and technical officials from Jammu & Kashmir have also been selected to participate and conduct matches at the championship, reflecting the trust placed in the UT’s kabaddi administration.
Eligibility Criteria for Men Players
To maintain fairness and competitive balance, specific eligibility norms have been laid down for male players. The maximum body weight limit is 85 kg, and importantly, there is no age restriction, allowing experienced senior players as well as young talents to compete together.
Dr. Gupta has clearly instructed all affiliated district units and kabaddi clubs of Jammu & Kashmir to send their registered players for the trials. Players serving in Central Government departments or armed and belt forces must obtain proper permission from their respective departments. Only those personnel serving within the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory will be eligible to represent the UT team.
Selection Trials for 72th Senior National Kabaddi Championship (Women)
Women’s kabaddi in Jammu & Kashmir has shown remarkable growth over the years, and the association has been giving equal importance to female athletes. The selection trials for the Women’s team were announced for 16th to 18th January 2026 at the Kabaddi Field, M.A. Stadium, Jammu, with trials starting daily at 3:00 PM.
These trials are being conducted to select the Jammu & Kashmir Women’s Kabaddi Team for the 72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship (Women), which will be held at the Indoor Stadium, Telangana, from 27th to 30th January 2026.
Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Gupta appealed to all affiliated district associations and clubs to actively encourage and depute their registered women players for the trials, emphasizing that women’s kabaddi is a priority area for development in the UT.
Eligibility Conditions for Women Players
For women participants, the weight limit has been fixed at 75 kg, with no age bar for participation. This inclusive approach ensures that experienced players and young emerging talents both get a chance to compete on the same platform.
Dr. Gupta reiterated that only players registered with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) will be allowed to participate. This ensures uniformity, discipline, and adherence to national federation norms during the trials and the championship.
Mandatory Documents Required for Trials
To ensure transparency and proper verification, all players participating in the selection trials—both men and women—must bring original documents along with self-attested photocopies. These include proof of date of birth, Aadhaar Card, domicile certificate, and sports achievement or performance certificates, if any.
Medical fitness is a crucial requirement, and players must submit a valid Medical Fitness Certificate issued by an authorized doctor or Chief Medical Officer.
Additionally, players must carry two passport-size photographs, educational qualification certificates, and a valid AKFI Registration Card. Those without AKFI registration will not be permitted to take part in the trials under any circumstances.
A Strong Message to Aspiring Kabaddi Players
Through these well-organized selection trials, the Jammu & Kashmir Amateur Kabaddi Association has once again sent a clear message to aspiring kabaddi players: dedication, discipline, and proper registration are the keys to reaching the national stage. Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Gupta has urged players to prepare seriously, follow the guidelines, and make the most of this opportunity.
Looking Ahead
The selection trials for the 72th Senior National Kabaddi Championship (Men & Women) are expected to bring forward some outstanding talent from Jammu & Kashmir. With proper training, experienced officials, and strong administrative support, the UT teams will aim to deliver impressive performances at the national championships in Gujarat and Telangana.
As kabaddi continues to grow in popularity and professionalism, such trials play a vital role in strengthening the sport at the grassroots level. For players dreaming of wearing national colours someday, these trials could be the first big step towards a successful kabaddi career.
