SAI Gandhinagar Announces Kabaddi Selection Trials for Boys & Girls Ahead of 2026-27 Season: Check Eligibility, Documents & Full Details

Big Opportunity for Young Kabaddi Players: SAI Gandhinagar Opens Selection Trials for 2026-27

Young kabaddi players dreaming of representing India now have a golden opportunity.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI), Gandhinagar, has officially announced the Kabaddi Selection Trials for Boys and Girls for the 2026-27 session. The trials aim to identify talented players and provide them with high-level training under the SAI system.

Selected players may get access to professional coaching, better facilities, and a pathway towards national and international competitions.

Trial Dates and Venue

The trials will be conducted from:

Date: 18 June to 20 June, 2026

Venue:
Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Sector 15, Gandhinagar,
Gujarat – 382016

Reporting Time:
18 June 2026, 07:15 AM sharp.

Players are advised to reach the venue well before the reporting time to complete verification and registration formalities.

Who Can Apply?

The trials are open for both boys and girls.

Age Eligibility

Players must be:

• Above 16 years of age

• Below 18 years of age

Eligible birth period:

Born between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2010

Any player born outside this period will not be eligible to participate in the trials.

Playing Positions Required

SAI is inviting players for the following positions:

• Right Corner

• Left Corner

• Right Cover

• Left Cover

• All-Rounder

Players should preferably have experience playing in their respective positions.

Performance Criteria: Who Can Participate?

Not every player can directly appear in the trials.

Candidates must have participated in or won medals in recognized competitions such as:

International Competitions

• Represented India in international kabaddi events recognized by AKFI and IKF.

National Championships

• Sub-Junior National Championship

• Junior National Championship

• Under-18 Youth National Championship

• SGFI Under-17 National Championship

• Khelo India Youth Games

Players must carry valid proof of participation or achievement.

Mandatory Documents to Carry

SAI has clearly stated that players must bring original documents along with self-attested photocopies.

Players should carry:

Identity & Age Proof

• Birth Certificate

• Aadhaar Card

Sports Documents

• Sports Achievement Certificates

• Performance Certificates

• Participation Certificates

Educational Documents

• Educational Qualification Certificate

Other Important Documents

• AKFI Registration Card (if available)

• Medical Fitness Certificate

• Five passport-size photographs

Failure to produce the required documents may result in disqualification from the trials.

Why Are These Trials Important?

SAI training centres have produced several national and international athletes across sports.

For kabaddi players, getting selected into a SAI centre can provide:

• Professional coaching

• Scientific training methods

• Better fitness programs

• Access to national camps

• Exposure to elite competitions

Many top kabaddi players in India have benefited from structured training systems at an early age.

Important Note for Players and Parents

SAI has clarified that all expenses related to participation will be borne by the players themselves.

This includes:

• Travel expenses

• Boarding expenses

• Lodging expenses

• Any other personal costs

Participants should plan their travel and accommodation accordingly.

Contact Details for Queries

For any clarification regarding the trials, players can contact the assistant coaches:

Sh. Manikraj: 9550580844

Smt. Gayatri: 9048414360

Final Thoughts

The SAI Gandhinagar Kabaddi Selection Trials present an excellent opportunity for young athletes to take a major step in their sporting journey.

For many players, this could be the beginning of a path that leads to national camps, professional leagues, and perhaps even representing India on the international stage.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents, sharpen your skills, and give your best on the mat.

The next kabaddi star of India could emerge from these very trials.