July 2 is observed every year as National Kickboxing Day
Ahmedabad, July 2, 2026: WAKO India Kickboxing Federation officially announced the National Senior Kickboxing Championship 2026 and the country’s first-ever Para National Kickboxing Championship 2026 during a press conference held in Ahmedabad. For the first time in history, Gujarat’s Ahmedabad will host this prestigious national event at the Indoor Multisport Arena, Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Naranpura.
The National Senior Kickboxing Championship will be held from August 1 to 5, 2026, while the country’s first-ever Para National Kickboxing Championship will take place on August 4 and 5, 2026. The championships are expected to witness participation from athletes representing all 34 States and Union Territories of India, with over 1,000 senior athletes, 100–150 para athletes, and more than 200 referees, judges, coaches, technical officials, and medical staff.
The press conference was attended by Santosh Agrawal, President of WAKO India Kickboxing Federation; Ajay Adlakha, Co-founder of the Kickboxing Super League (KSL); Ms. Bhavina Patel, Paralympian; Dr. Nitin Shah, CEO of SAL Institute of Medical Sciences & Hospital; international kickboxer Praveen Kumar; and national player Rudra Rajput.
Addressing the media, WAKO India President Santosh Agrawal said that the primary objective of the championships is to promote kickboxing among the youth while providing equal opportunities for differently-abled athletes. He stated that India’s first-ever Para National Kickboxing Championship would offer para athletes a strong platform to showcase their talent and would play a significant role in preparing Indian athletes for the 2030 Asian Para Games.
International kickboxer Praveen Kumar explained the fundamentals of kickboxing, highlighted the differences between boxing and kickboxing, introduced the various disciplines of the sport, and encouraged young people to take up kickboxing as a competitive sport.
Paralympian Bhavina Patel appreciated the initiative, stating that the championship would create new opportunities for para athletes while further strengthening the spirit of inclusive sports in the country.
Dr. Nitin Shah, CEO of SAL Institute of Medical Sciences & Hospital, emphasized that kickboxing is highly beneficial for both physical and mental well-being. He assured that SAL Hospital would provide comprehensive medical support throughout the championships and continue extending healthcare assistance to WAKO India in the future.
The speakers stated that the championships are aligned with the Government’s vision of encouraging sporting talent across the country. The event will also serve as an important selection platform for the Asian Kickboxing Championship 2026 and Kickboxing Super League (KSL) screening.
They further highlighted that Gujarat’s world-class sports infrastructure and athlete-friendly environment reflect the state’s growing commitment to sports development. With Ahmedabad preparing to host the 2030 Olympic Games, this national championship will showcase the city’s sporting facilities and organizational capabilities at the highest level.
WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) was established in 1977 and is currently affiliated with national federations from 147 countries. The sport is recognized within the global sports ecosystem through organizations such as GAISF, ARISF, FISU, and The World Games. Indian kickboxers have so far won 367 international medals, including 96 gold, 100 silver, and 171 bronze medals.
Following the press conference, WAKO India officials held a review meeting with the Local Organizing Committee and management representatives to assess the preparations and issue the necessary guidelines for the successful conduct of the championships.
