Bangladesh is set to host the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup for the first time, but preparations have been hit by a late setback after Argentina withdrew from the tournament at the final moment. The event, part of the “Festival of Youth 2025” celebrations, will now begin on 17 November instead of the originally announced 15 November.

All matches will be held at the Shaheed Sohrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur, where logistical and technical preparations are already in their final stages.

Bangladesh Kabaddi Federation General Secretary SM Nawaz Sohag confirmed that Argentina will no longer take part. He said the information came from the International Kabaddi Federation, which is responsible for the teams’ travel arrangements. Sohag noted that Bangladesh, as hosts, is providing accommodation and local facilities, but something “between the IKF and Argentina” may have led to the withdrawal. He said the federation has not been given any further details.

With Argentina pulling out, the number of participating nations now stands at 12. Zanzibar have already arrived in Dhaka, while two more teams are scheduled to land tonight.

The confirmed nations are Bangladesh, India, Chinese Taipei, Germany, the Netherlands, Iran, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Nepal, Thailand, Uganda and Zanzibar. Pakistan and Poland remain standby teams. Argentina’s withdrawal is particularly surprising as their men’s kabaddi team previously visited Dhaka for an invitational tournament.

At an earlier press briefing, federation officials outlined government support for the event. The government has allocated the Shaheed Sohrawardi National Indoor Stadium and is coordinating to ensure smooth arrivals, departures, accommodation, transport and security. The total budget for the World Cup is Tk 10.44 crore, with Tk 5 crore provided by the government and the remainder expected from sponsors.

The Bangladesh women’s team is currently in intensive training at BKSP.