Sri Lanka bag kabaddi silver at Asian Beach Games

 Silver medal winning Sri Lanka team (from left): Shanika Sudarshani, Kajenthini Rasa, Madurika Hansamali, Priyavarna Rasathurai, Hansika Kumuduni and Diluxshana Vimalenthiran

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka created history at the Asian Beach Games 2026 by winning the silver medal in women’s kabaddi yesterday, marking the nation’s first-ever silver at an international-level women’s kabaddi competition.

The Games, now in progress in Sanya, China, saw Sri Lanka deliver an impressive performance throughout the tournament before facing defending champions India in the final.

In the final match, Sri Lanka fought valiantly but went down 31–47 against a dominant Indian side. The first half witnessed a closely contested battle, with Sri Lanka trailing narrowly at 18–20. 

However, India asserted their superiority in the second half, pulling away to secure a comfortable 16-point victory. According to Asian Beach Games women’s kabaddi history, India has now claimed the gold medal for the sixth consecutive time, maintaining an unbroken winning streak in the event.

Bangladesh and Nepal secured the bronze medals in this year’s competition.

The silver medal-winning Sri Lankan team comprised Diluxshana Vimalenthiran, Hansika Kumuduni, Kajenthini Rasa, Madurika Hansamali, Priyavarna Rasathurai and Shanika Sudarshani.

With this achievement, Sri Lanka has so far secured two silver medals and three bronze medals at the ongoing Games, highlighting a commendable overall performance on the international stage.