Kabaddi is a contact team sport originating from ancient India

Since they made their debut in Kabaddi World Cup during the 2016 edition, the Kenyan national team now wants more.

Akin to a Leopard tasting blood, the youngsters have savoured every moment of fame that  came after that memorable trip and are set to begin their residential training ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Dubai, from January. 

Kenya Kabaddi Union has named 36 players to start a residential camp at Kasarani on Wednesday to prepare for the World Cup set for Dubai in January.

Kenya Kabaddi Union chairperson Lavender Oguta said Kenya will be making her second appearance at the World Cup after her maiden in 2016 event in India.

"In 2016, Kenya pulled surprises to claim the fifth overall position and since then, the country has made some strides in the sport," said Oguta.

Speaking at the Makande Indoor gymnasium during the Mombasa Open tournament, Oguta said the team will later next month travel to India for more training sessions before travelling to Dubai for the World Cup.

"Kabaddi started in India and we believe going there as part of our preparations will be an advantage," said Oguta.

She added that her union held a series of tournaments to pick top players.

The chairperson said the 36 players will later be trimmed to the travelling team of 20. Six more will be dropped before the World Cup.