CHHATTISGARH’S rising Kabaddi star Sanju Devi delivered a commanding all-round performance to help India clinch the 2nd Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from November 17 to 24. In a gripping final, India defeated a swift and technically disciplined Chinese Taipei side 35-28 to secure their second consecutive world title, with Sanju emerging as the most influential player on the mat. Sanju’s exceptional 16 raid points in the final turned the contest decisively in India’s favour.

 

Her consistency, sharp reflexes and unmatched agility throughout the tournament earned her the prestigious ‘Player of the Championship’ award, underlining her rise as one of the finest raiders in contemporary women’s Kabaddi. India’s campaign was marked by complete dominance from the opening match. The team topped its pool with emphatic wins, defeating Thailand 65-20, Bangladesh 43-18, Germany 63-22 and Uganda 51-16. Sanju’s impact was immediate, showcasing precise footwork, confident bonus attempts and fearless raids that often unsettled rival defenders early in the game.

 

The semifinal against Iran, considered one of the strongest Kabaddi sides globally, brought out Sanju’s resolve. After two unsuccessful raids, she regrouped quickly and went on to score in every subsequent raid. She even contributed defensively with a decisive dash, helping India secure a convincing 33-21 victory. The final against Chinese Taipei began on a tense note, with both teams exchanging points rapidly. Opting to defend after winning the toss, Chinese Taipei attempted to restrict India’s raiders. Sanju, however, opened India’s scoring with a confident raid and kept breaking through defensive chains with remarkable ease.

 

At a critical juncture when both teams were level, she executed the biggest moment of the match, bringing down four defenders in a single raid, giving India a decisive lead that shifted the momentum permanently. Sanju’s achievement is historic for Chhattisgarh. In the 25-year history of the state, she is the first Kabaddi player to represent India in an international championship. Earlier in March 2025, she was part of the Indian team that won gold at the 6th Asian Women’s Kabaddi Championship in Iran, securing qualification for the World Cup. A product of the Girls’ Residential Kabaddi Academy, Bilaspur, Sanju has been mentored with structured training in speed, endurance, tactical raids and defensive interventions.

 

Her sharp gameplay at the World Cup reflected this preparation, reaffirming her status as one of the most complete players in the current women’s circuit. Secretary and Director, Sports and Youth Welfare, congratulated Sanju Devi and her coach Dil Kumar Rathore for the landmark achievement. Chhattisgarh Kabaddi Association President Shashikant Baghel, General Secretary Pradeep Yadav, and the coaching team at Bahatrai Stadium also extended warm wishes to the world-cup-winning squad