Beatrice Namataka scored seven points but could not prevent Uganda’s women, The She Gladiators, from suffering a 41-18 defeat to hosts India at the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Saturday.
The She Gladiators struggled to break down India’s defence at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, with the hosts capitalising on their raiding strength to secure a comfortable victory.
India captain Nidhi Sharma led her side with nine points as the hosts collected 25 raid points, 11 tackle points and four all-out points. Uganda managed 13 raid points and five tackle points, with Catherine Nabwegamo contributing two tackle points.
Uganda showed tactical discipline and defensive resilience, with Namataka producing a four-point super raid in the second half to briefly lift the She Gladiators’ hopes. However, India maintained their dominance to secure a convincing victory.
India’s ability to combine effective raids with a disciplined defensive display left Uganda with work to do as they pursue a place in the semi-finals.
The women’s side, however, remain in contention for the last four, sitting second in Group A behind India.
Men surrender commanding lead
Uganda’s men, The Gladiators, endured a more agonising afternoon after surrendering a commanding lead to lose 36-34 to Sri Lanka in a thrilling encounter.
The Gladiators appeared on course for victory after building an 18-27 advantage at the 10-minute mark, but Sri Lanka mounted a late comeback to snatch the contest by two points.
Uganda had adopted a defensive approach to contain Sri Lanka’s ace raider Milinda Chathuranga and went into half-time with a three-point lead. However, the islanders found another gear in the closing stages to overturn the deficit.
Douglas Mulalira led Uganda with eight points, while Chathuranga was the match’s outstanding performer, collecting 11 points from 25 raids.
Mixed start for Uganda
The defeat followed Uganda’s 44-30 loss to India on Sunday, leaving the men needing to recover quickly as they chase a semi-final berth.
Uganda had opened their campaign on a promising note on Friday, with the men defeating Malaysia 45-29 before the women registered an emphatic 61-12 victory over Singapore
Uganda’s men are scheduled to face East African neighbours Tanzania on Wednesday in their final group game, while the women take on Nigeria at 2pm. The Gladiators chances of progressing could be hanging in balance by then as they face England in Monday evening’s encounter.
The men’s competition features 13 teams, while 10 countries are contesting the women’s title in the inaugural edition. The top two teams from Groups A and B will advance to the semi-finals.
Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship
Uganda’s results
Women: Uganda 61-12 Singapore; India 41-18 Uganda.
Men: Uganda 45-29 Malaysia; India 44-30 Uganda; Sri Lanka 36-34 Uganda.
Next fixtures – Wednesday
Women: Nigeria vs Uganda – 2pm
Men: Uganda vs Tanzania – 8:30pm