By Sachit Subba • Other Sports • Apr 26, 2026 13:33 PM • 36 views
SANYA — Nepal’s campaign in the Women’s Beach Kabaddi at the 6th Asian Beach Games 2026 came to an end on Sunday, as Sri Lanka secured a 46-23 victory in the semifinals. Despite strong performances throughout the group stages, the Nepalese squad was unable to counter Sri Lanka’s tactics, ultimately taking home a bronze medal.
The semifinal clash was a tale of two halves, characterised by Sri Lanka’s early aggression and ironclad defence. Nepal entered the break trailing 12-24, and while the second half saw flashes of individual brilliance, the gap proved insurmountable. Sri Lanka’s ability to neutralise Nepal’s primary raiders prevented any hope of a comeback, leaving the Himalayan side to reflect on a podium finish that feels both historic and bittersweet.
A Path Paved with Dominance
Nepal’s journey to the final four was spectacular. In the group stage, they opened with a commanding 48-32 win over Chinese Taipei. Next, they posted a high-octane 49-33 win against Thailand.
The momentum peaked on Sunday morning, when Nepal narrowly defeated South Asian rival Bangladesh 38-36 to secure the top spot in their group. That victory highlighted Nepal’s growth in the sand-court format, while the physical demands of the group-stage finale may have contributed to a slower pace during the afternoon’s semifinal.
The Grand Finale: A South Asian Showdown
Nepal takes the bronze, while focus now turns to a high-pressure gold medal match between the top teams in the region. Sri Lanka advances with momentum after dismantling the group leaders. India reached the final with a strong 50-31 win over Bangladesh in the first semifinal.
The upcoming final between India and Sri Lanka presents a contest of different playing styles, ensuring the gold remains in South Asia. For Nepal, while the semifinal result in Sanya is a challenging outcome, the bronze medal marks steady progress in their international kabaddi performance.
