Bangladesh fell short against Chinese Taipei, losing 25–18 in the semifinals of the 2nd Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 at the Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Sunday.
With the win, Chinese Taipei advanced to the final for the first time, where they will face defending champions India. India earlier defeated Iran 33–21 in the other semifinal held at the same venue.
Bangladesh produced a strong challenge in the opening half, trailing by just 9–8 at the break. However, they were unable to maintain the same rhythm in the second half and ultimately slipped out of contention.
The match also marked the farewell appearance of Bangladesh captain Rupali Akter, who had announced before the tournament that this World Cup would be her last. Prior to the semifinal, she was honored with a ceremonial crown by Youth and Sports adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. Rupali remains the only member of the current squad who competed in the previous Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in 2012 in India, and this was her first assignment as captain.
Chinese Taipei, who had exited in the group stage in the 2012 edition, have shown marked improvement in recent years, culminating in their maiden appearance in a Women’s Kabaddi World Cup final.
Despite the defeat, Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever medal at the Women’s World Cup.
The first semifinal was a repeat of the 2012 final between India and Iran. Thirteen years later, India once again proved superior in a gripping contest.
Back in the inaugural edition held in Patna, India had beaten Iran 25–19 to clinch the title.
In Sunday’s rematch, Iran failed to score in their opening raid, while India picked up points early to gain momentum. Iran opened their tally in the fourth minute to make it 3–1 and staged an impressive recovery to level the game 5–5 by the eighth minute.
Towards the end of the first half, Iran adopted a more tactical strategy, focusing on defensive tackles rather than raid points. With India down to five players, Iran pushed for an all-out but fell short. India went into halftime leading 15–10.
Both sides began cautiously after the break. Iran claimed the first point by tackling Sanju Devi, but India — three-time Asian Games champions — steadily rebuilt their advantage. Their grip tightened further as the half progressed.
India delivered a decisive blow in the ninth minute of the second half by inflicting an all-out to extend their lead to 27–17. Although Fatemeh and her teammates continued to fight, India’s superior execution ensured their passage to the final.
“We have one match left to win the championship,” India captain Ritu Negi said afterwards. “We are confident of beating whichever team we face in the final.”
The final will take place at the same venue on Monday.
