Kenya’s Kabaddi teams close in on Commonwealth gold as Jakakimba hails Gov’t support

Kenya’s national men’s and women’s kabaddi teams are within touching distance of glory after both sides secured places in the semi-finals of the ongoing Kabaddi Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, India.

The impressive campaign has drawn praise from Kenya Kabaddi Union President Silas Jakakimba, who is in Ahmedabad to offer moral support to the two teams as they chase what could be a landmark double-medal achievement for the country.

Kenya’s men are scheduled to face Australia at 9pm Indian Standard Time on Thursday, while the women’s side takes on Uganda on Friday, with both teams seeking victories that would move them a step closer to the coveted gold medals ahead of Saturday’s finals.

“Tuzidi kuombeana,” Jakakimba said, rallying Kenyans to stand behind the two teams as the country’s hopes of a historic double triumph gather momentum.

The semi-final qualification represents a significant moment for Kenyan kabaddi, a sport whose growing competitiveness reflects the potential of local talent when given the opportunity, preparation and institutional backing to compete on the international stage.

Beyond the immediate pursuit of medals, Jakakimba has used the team’s campaign to underscore the importance of sustained investment in sports infrastructure and talent development.

He commended President William Ruto’s administration for its continued support for kabaddi, arguing that investment in sport should be viewed as a broader national development strategy—one that creates opportunities for young people, nurtures discipline and opens pathways to international recognition.

Kenya’s participation in India follows another encouraging milestone in Zanzibar in August 2026, where the men’s team won the AFCON Kabaddi Championship trophy.

That victory offered an early indication of the team’s potential. Now, with both the men’s and women’s sides through to the semi-finals in Ahmedabad, attention has shifted to whether Kenya can translate that promise into Commonwealth medals.

For a country with an abundance of sporting talent, the challenge remains building a sustainable system that identifies promising athletes, supports their development and gives them regular opportunities to compete at the highest level.

Kabaddi’s current run provides a compelling argument for widening that investment beyond the country’s traditionally dominant sporting disciplines.

Jakakimba also welcomed what he described as a fitting tribute to his boss and mentor, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, following the reported plans for the official opening of the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta City on January 5, 2027.

According to the statement, the occasion is expected to feature a friendly encounter between German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax—an event that would attract considerable international attention if confirmed.

The proposed fixture would add another dimension to Kenya’s ambitions of positioning itself as a destination for major sporting events, while highlighting the potential of modern sports infrastructure to stimulate tourism, business and youth participation.

For football supporters, the prospect of watching two of Europe’s most recognisable clubs on Kenyan soil is an exciting one. For the wider sporting fraternity, the significance lies in whether such infrastructure and high-profile events can translate into lasting benefits for local athletes and sports development.

For now, however, Kenya’s immediate sporting mission remains in Ahmedabad.

With the men preparing to face Australia and the women set to meet Uganda, the next two matches could determine whether the country advances to the finals with a chance to bring home gold.

Jakakimba’s message is one of confidence, gratitude and national unity: celebrate the progress, support the athletes and recognise the work required to turn sporting promise into lasting success.

Kenya has already made its mark by reaching the semi-finals. The ultimate test now is to finish the job.

“Our eyes are firmly fixed on bringing home both medals,” Jakakimba said.

Match schedules, tournament status, championship results and the announced stadium-opening fixture should be independently verified before publication.