Iran women's kabaddi team finds training haven in Sonepat ahead of Asian Games

Iran's women's kabaddi team has shifted focus to India for crucial pre-Asian Games training, taking advantage of the competitive environment offered by camps in Sonepat, Haryana. The move comes as geopolitical tensions at home have complicated the team's ability to prepare adequately for the continental championship.

The camp provides the Iranian squad with regular competition against different opponents—a critical element of match preparation that has become difficult to secure domestically. Kabaddi, a contact team sport with deep roots across South Asia, requires consistent competitive exposure to prepare athletes for the intensity of major tournaments.

India has long served as a hub for kabaddi development and training, hosting numerous national and international camps. The Sonepat facility, located in a region with strong kabaddi traditions, offers Iranian athletes the opportunity to test their skills against quality opposition while fine-tuning strategies ahead of the Asian Games.

The Iranian contingent's reliance on Indian facilities underscores both the sport's regional significance and the practical challenges faced by nations seeking to maintain competitive standards during periods of domestic instability. Such arrangements have become increasingly common among Asian kabaddi teams preparing for major tournaments.