Kenya Kabaddi Sports Federation (KKSF) has joined the race to conquer the world in sand-based kabaddi after confirming its participation in the inaugural Beach Kabaddi World Cup set for August in Malaysia.

The move comes as a timely boost following the postponement of the Africa Kabaddi Championships, giving the national men’s and women’s teams a fresh shot at global glory in a competition that has already attracted powerhouses like India and emerging nations from five continents.

Confirming that the games will be played from August 26 to 31 this year, KKSF competitions manager Perpetual Muthoni Mbutu urged Kenya’s kabaddi national teams to remain vigilant and hungry to win.

This follows the postponement of the Africa Kabaddi Championships, which were scheduled to take place in Tunisia this July, to a later date yet to be communicated by the continental governing body.

“The African Games have been postponed, but we are lucky to have another international event in Malaysia this August. This gives Kenya an opportunity to train and work on the technical aspects of the game on sand, hence increasing our chances of becoming world champions,” said Muthoni during a training session on June 17, 2025, in Nairobi, adding that missing the first edition of the Beach Kabaddi World Cup is not an option.

World Kabaddi Secretary General ST Arasu warned that the closing date for ‘Entry by Team’ is June 21, 2025, with the official draw to be conducted on July 26, 2025.

“We now have 15 countries that have already confirmed their participation from five continents. With Kenya joining the list, we now expect even stiffer and tougher competition,” said Arasu, who added that with at least ten days to go before the entry deadline, three or four more countries could join and spice up the already star-studded international competition.

Among the 15 confirmed nations is kabaddi powerhouse India, the 2025 Kabaddi World Champions in both men’s and women’s categories, who will be eyeing the prestigious first edition of the Beach Kabaddi World Cup, an addition to their accolades after their World Cup triumph last March in the West Midlands, UK.

Kenya, along with immediate neighbours Tanzania and Burundi, will join Egypt to represent Africa, while Asia will be represented by host nation Malaysia, India, China, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Pakistan and Nepal.

New Zealand and Australia will represent Oceania, while surprise package Azerbaijan comes in from Eurasia. Argentina will fly the flag for South America as their sole representative in this debut global competition.

Muthoni now bears the responsibility of ensuring Kenya assembles quality men’s and women’s beach kabaddi national teams, not just to participate but to compete for glory and honour, as the sport continues to gain popularity in the country, with even school-going children now embracing it with enthusiasm.