Hosting an AKU championship
Eligibility, bid contents, venue and welfare standards, evaluation criteria and the cost split between host and participating federations.
AKU invites affiliated member federations to bid to host its continental championships. These are the minimum standards and obligations every prospective host must meet.
The guidelines below are transcribed from AKU’s circular AKU/International/HOST-2027-2029, issued on 3 September 2025 and signed by Josab Changa, Secretary General. The signed original, the application form and the event programme are in the PDF.
Eligibility to bid
- Officially affiliated with the Africa Kabaddi Union
- In good standing financially and administratively
- Supported by the national Ministry responsible for Sports, National Sports Council, National Sports Commission or equivalent authority
Only federations affiliated and in good standing with AKU may bid, vote, or enter the championships.
How bids are scored
Section 19 of the bid guidelines.
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Government support | 20% |
| Competition venue | 20% |
| Accommodation and catering | 15% |
| Transportation and logistics | 15% |
| Financial and organisational capacity | 15% |
| Previous event hosting experience | 10% |
| Promotion and development plan | 5% |
Each bidding federation presents for up to 15 minutes, followed by questions. Hosting rights are awarded by vote in accordance with the AKU Constitution; the decision of the Union is final.
What a complete bid contains
Section 4. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
- Official Expression of Interest letter
- Completed AKU Bid Application Form
- Government Letter of Support
- Letter confirming availability of the proposed venue
- Proposed championship budget
- Accommodation proposal
- Transportation plan
- Medical and emergency response plan
- Security plan
- Visa facilitation commitment
- Brief presentation for the bidding session
Host federation obligations
Sections 5 to 18.
Competition venue
- Indoor sports hall meeting IKF competition standards, or an approved beach venue for beach championships
- Courts marked to IKF rules, a warm-up area and team changing rooms
- Officials’ changing rooms, a medical room and a doping control room where applicable
- Spectator seating, public address system, electronic scoreboard and timer
- Reliable lighting, stable power with backup, and internet for technical operations
Accommodation and meals
- Accommodation for participating teams, the AKU Executive Committee, the IKF delegation, technical officials and referees
- Safe, secure rooms — twin-sharing for athletes unless otherwise approved
- Three meals a day, with vegetarian, halal where possible, and notified medical diets catered for
- Adequate drinking water throughout the championship
Transport, medical and security
- Airport transfers and transport between hotels, venues and official meetings
- Qualified medical personnel throughout competition and an ambulance on standby during all matches
- First aid stations and access to a designated hospital
- Security at the competition venue, training venue, hotels, transport routes and official functions
Technical and media
- AKU-approved competition equipment, match tables, scoreboards and timing equipment
- Media accreditation, photography, press conferences and branding to AKU requirements
- Livestreaming or television coverage where possible
- Opening, medal and closing ceremonies, with national flags and anthems available
Visas and organisation
- Prompt invitation letters, visa support and liaison with immigration authorities
- A Local Organising Committee working directly with AKU through the preparation period
- Hosts are encouraged to minimise plastic waste, promote recycling and conserve energy
Who pays for what
Section 17.
The host federation provides
- Venue hire
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Local transportation
- Security
- Medical services
- Competition equipment
- Venue branding
- Volunteers
- Opening and closing ceremonies
- Local organisational expenses
Each participating federation provides
- International airfare
- Passport costs
- Visa fees unless waived
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Alternative financial arrangements are communicated by AKU in advance.
Submit an expression of interest
Write to hosting@africakabaddiunion.org with a letter of support from your Ministry responsible for Sports, National Sports Council or equivalent authority, and the completed application form from the circular.
Email the hosting desk