NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 29 – Kenya’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams are one win away from reaching the finals of the inaugural Kabaddi Commonwealth Games in India after topping their respective groups with unbeaten records.

Kenya Kabaddi Union President Silas Jakakimba, who is in Ahmedabad to support the teams, expressed confidence in their gold-medal prospects as the men prepare to face Australia and the women take on Uganda in Thursday’s semi-finals.

“I am in Ahmedabad to extend moral support to our Women’s and Men’s National Kabaddi Teams, both of which remain at the top of their groups and have qualified for the Semis at the ongoing Kabaddi Commonwealth Games. We continue praying for our teams because they aren’t far from the coveted gold medals,” Jakakimba said.

Kenya’s men topped Group B with eight points after winning all four matches, finishing two points ahead of Bangladesh, who also advanced to the semi-finals.

The team opened with a 48-28 victory over Singapore, thrashed Bangladesh 32-3, beat Scotland 80-15 and completed the group stage with a 49-20 win over Canada.

In the other men’s semi-final, Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh, while India take on Sri Lanka in the women’s semi-finals. The finals are scheduled for Saturday, October 31.

Canada, Singapore, Scotland and Australia finished third, fourth, fifth and sixth respectively in the men’s group standings.

Kenya’s women also won all four of their Group B matches, beating Bangladesh 34-2, edging Sri Lanka 23-20, thrashing England 82-6 and defeating Scotland 61-16.

The inaugural competition has attracted 13 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams from across the Commonwealth.

Kenya’s men head into the tournament after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Kabaddi Championship trophy in Zanzibar in August, with government support.

Meanwhile, Jakakimba has welcomed plans for an international friendly between German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax on January 5, 2027, to mark the official opening of the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City.

Bayern have won the UEFA Champions League six times, while Ajax have claimed the title four times.

Jakakimba commended President William Ruto and the government for naming the stadium after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“Well done to the Republic of Kenya through President Ruto for honouring my Boss and Mentor, former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga. All of us soccer lovers are excited about the big news trending globally on the expected official opening of the Raila Odinga International Stadium, Talanta City,” he said.

He added that investment in sports infrastructure and talent development was vital to national development, particularly in empowering young people and expanding opportunities.

“Intentional investments in sports infrastructure and talent development are critically integral to the holistic development of our nation, especially on matters of youth empowerment and expanding opportunities for this demographic,” Jakakimba said.