Uganda’s She Gladiators Crowned Africa Kabaddi Queens Once Again, Qualify for World Cup

Uganda Women’s Kabaddi National Team, fondly known as the She Gladiators, put up a stellar all-round performance to retain their continental crown, thrashing hosts Kenya 22-13 in the final of the Africa Kabaddi 2025 Championship held at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi.

This triumph marked Uganda’s second consecutive title in the prestigious championship, further cementing their dominance on the African kabaddi scene. With this emphatic win, the She Gladiators also sealed qualification for the upcoming Kabaddi World Cup scheduled for June in Bihar, India.

Spearheading Uganda’s charge were the dynamic duo of Grace Ojil and Erinah Nattabi, who delivered scintillating performances in both defense and attack, overwhelming the Kenyan side in a one-sided summit clash.

Coach Efrain Desire Makubuya, whose tactical brilliance and leadership were pivotal to Uganda’s success, expressed delight over the team’s triumph.

“Winning this championship proves that we are the giants in Africa when it comes to Kabaddi. We are excited to take on top teams like India and Iran at the World Cup,” Coach Makubuya said.

Eunice Awori was a defensive rock throughout the tournament and deservedly walked away with the Best Defender accolade.

“Our defense strategy was key to keeping the Kenyans at bay. Every player executed their role with precision, and it paid off,” Awori remarked during the post-match interview.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s Lavender Awuor was named the Best Raider, showcasing incredible agility and tactical raids throughout the two-day competition.

This year’s Africa Kabaddi Championship saw participation from nine countries, including hosts Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, and Burundi. The event was packed with action and excitement, offering fans a glimpse of the growing popularity and competitiveness of kabaddi across the continent.

Uganda’s triumph in 2025 follows their victorious campaign in the 2023 edition, where they beat Zanzibar 34-18 in the final after impressive wins against South Sudan, Tanzania, Burundi, and Kenya.

The She Gladiators’ consistent performances are a testament to the country’s growing investment and passion for kabaddi. With their eyes now set on the World Cup in India, Uganda’s women are ready to test their mettle against global powerhouses like India, Iran, and Bangladesh.

Africa Kabaddi 2025 – Final Standings & Award Winners

Champions: Uganda Kabaddi (The She Gladiators)

1st Runners-Up: Kenya Kabaddi

2nd Runners-Up: Zanzibar Kabaddi

Individual Awards:

Best Defender: Eunice Awori (Uganda)

Best Raider: Lavender Awuor (Kenya)

As the She Gladiators prepare for the World Cup challenge ahead, Uganda celebrates yet another historic achievement on the African sports stage — a win not just for kabaddi, but for women's sports across the nation.