Overview
- Governing body
- All India Kendo Federation
- Origin
- Feudal Japan
- Olympic discipline
- No
- Category
- Combat
- Total players listed
- …
Kendo is one of India's most-followed disciplines. The All India Kendo Federation oversees national federation activity, talent identification and Olympic qualification pathways. Major support flows in through TOPS and Khelo India for athletes who clear federation benchmarks.
Kendo is not currently on the Olympic programme, but it sits firmly inside India's broader sporting ecosystem. The discipline receives support through the Khelo India movement, multi-sport events such as the National Games and Asian Games trials wherever the sport is contested, and dedicated league or championship structures run by the federation. Sponsorship, broadcast deals and private academies often fill the gap that direct government funding leaves, and several state governments offer cash awards, government jobs and land grants to medallists at the National Games and recognised world championships.
Combat sport pathways in India are unusually deep because of the country's traditional akhara and dojo culture sitting alongside the modern federation structure. The All India Kendo Federation runs sub-junior, junior, youth and senior nationals every year, and weight-category selection trials decide who represents India at continental and world events. Sports science, weight management and injury rehabilitation have become major focus areas since multiple Indian combat athletes have reached the Olympic and World Championship podium. SAI's combat-sport centres at Patiala, Lucknow, Bhopal, Sonepat and the IIS in Vijayanagar form the backbone of the elite training network.
At the grassroots, the route into Kendo typically starts at school under the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), at the inter-university level under the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), or through a private academy registered with the state association. The Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India University Games are the largest single discovery platforms — athletes who reach the podium at these events become eligible for the Khelo India Talent Development scheme, which funds boarding, coaching, kit, education and a monthly stipend at accredited centres. State sports awards and central government jobs under the sports quota remain a powerful incentive for athletes from smaller towns.
Kendo originated in Feudal Japan, and in India it has developed a distinct character shaped by the country's geography, demographics and sporting culture. Whether you want to compete, coach, sponsor, write about or simply follow Kendo, the practical starting point is the same: connect with your state association under the All India Kendo Federation, identify the nearest SAI centre or accredited academy, and track the Khelo India and federation calendars for the events that decide selection at every level. Kendo is played and developed across India under the All India Kendo Federation, with grassroots programmes, state associations and national-level competition pathways.
History
How kendo evolved globally and took root in India.
Kendo traces its modern origins to Feudal Japan. Codified rules, standard equipment and international competition took shape as the sport spread beyond its birthplace, and All India Kendo Federation is the body that carried it into organised Indian competition.
In India, kendo grew through princely-state patronage, defence-service teams, universities and state associations. Post-independence, the discipline was formalised under All India Kendo Federation, national championships were instituted, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) later brought it into the centralised high-performance system with dedicated centres, coaching cadres and sports-science support.
Kendo sits outside the Olympic programme but is firmly part of India's Asian Games, Commonwealth and National Games map, with state governments backing medallists through cash awards, jobs and land grants.
Indian Players
Loading…- Aakash PrasadGujaratWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Aanya KumarServicesIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Aanya SahooMadhya PradeshWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Aarav BishtChhattisgarhIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Aarav NaiduTripuraTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Aarvi ChakrabortyUttarakhandTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Aditi BhatiaHimachal PradeshTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Aditya DasMeghalayaIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Amaira ChatterjeeTamil NaduWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Ananya GhoshAndaman and Nicobar IslandsTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Ananya JoshiBiharTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Anika ShettyPuducherryTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Anjali VermaAndhra PradeshTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Ankit DesaiPuducherryIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Ankit SuriPunjabTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Anya JadhavArunachal PradeshTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Anya KarGoaWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Arjun PrasadMadhya PradeshTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Arjun VarmaAssamIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Aryan GoswamiChhattisgarhIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Aryan RanaServicesIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Atharv ShindeArunachal PradeshTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Avani KumarLadakhTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Avani TomarArunachal PradeshIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Bhavesh BhattacharyaSikkimTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Bhavesh NaiduMizoramTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Bhavna IyerKarnatakaIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Bhavna JoshiNagalandTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Bhavna PawarHaryanaIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Bhumi MitraChhattisgarhWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Bhumi ShuklaWest BengalIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Chhavi NegiBiharIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Chhavi OjhaTelanganaTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Chhavi SubramanianAndaman and Nicobar IslandsIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Chhavi TopnoWest BengalTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Chhavi TyagiTamil NaduTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Chirag AhujaDelhiWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Chirag SenOdishaIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Damini TuduArunachal PradeshTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Darshana BansalManipurTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Darshana KumarWest BengalWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Deepak PrasadMizoramTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Deepak TiwariOdishaIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Deepali BhallaChandigarhWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Deepika OjhaOdishaIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Deepika ShahAssamTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Devansh ChakrabortyUttarakhandTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Devansh GuptaTripuraTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Dhruv RajputMizoramIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Divya KumarRailwaysIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Diya BhallaJammu and KashmirIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Esha DeshpandeKarnatakaTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Eshani PawarPunjabIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Faisal KarHaryanaIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Faisal PradhanTamil NaduWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Faisal TopnoGujaratTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Faizan BishtPunjabTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Gargi AgarwalDelhiTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Gargi PillaiWest BengalWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Garima MenonOdishaWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Gaurav MukherjeeMeghalayaTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Gaurav VermaBiharWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Geetika KrishnanUttarakhandIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Hema BhatiaDelhiTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Hemant ChopraMaharashtraTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Hemant MalhotraKeralaTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Hemant MishraServicesIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Hiral SarkarWest BengalTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Imran TrivediChhattisgarhTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Imran TyagiGujaratTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Inder BhattacharyaServicesWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Inder BhosaleSikkimTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Inder DashRajasthanTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Inder PawarManipurTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Ishan SahooAndaman and Nicobar IslandsTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Ishan TiwariNagalandIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Ishan TyagiBiharTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Jaideep JoshiMadhya PradeshIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Jaideep SinghMadhya PradeshTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Janvi TyagiJammu and KashmirTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Jatin PatelMeghalayaTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Jatin RawatManipurWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Jatin SubramanianGoaTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Jyoti RaoPuducherryTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Jyoti RoyKarnatakaTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Kabir BishtRailwaysTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Karan BansalArunachal PradeshIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Karan SenHaryanaIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Kartik TopnoMeghalayaIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Kavya BhosaleRailwaysTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Kavya IyerAssamIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Keshav MitraGoaTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Komal KrishnanPunjabTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Krish BeheraAndaman and Nicobar IslandsTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Krish PillaiOdishaIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Lakshay DubeServicesTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Lakshay TopnoRailwaysTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Lakshay YadavChandigarhTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Lakshmi NegiHaryanaIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Lipika SubramanianMadhya PradeshWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Lokesh MurmuChhattisgarhIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Lokesh NaiduJharkhandTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Madhav VermaLadakhTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Madhuri PillaiAndaman and Nicobar IslandsTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Madhuri SolankiDelhiWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Mahima AhujaBiharWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Manisha PatnaikJammu and KashmirWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Manisha ShuklaGujaratTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Mira BoseRailwaysTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Mridula MurmuKeralaTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Mridula ShahGujaratWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Mridula TrivediUttar PradeshTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Myra KhannaUttar PradeshTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Myra SaxenaJharkhandIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Myra SubramanianServicesTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Naina TrivediKarnatakaIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Naman GoswamiTamil NaduTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Neha NaiduPunjabTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Nidhi ChauhanKarnatakaTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Nidhi KumarSikkimIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Nikhil BansalMizoramIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Nikhil ChandraPuducherryTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Nikhil SrivastavaHaryanaTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Nikhil TrivediTamil NaduIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Ojas PawarJammu and KashmirIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Pari BeheraMadhya PradeshTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Pari PrasadMadhya PradeshTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Parth SuriJharkhandTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Pavan DeshpandeGoaTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Payal TopnoAssamIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Pragya KaurAndhra PradeshIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Pragya KulkarniRajasthanIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Pragya PathakWest BengalIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Pranav KamathRajasthanTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Pranav MurmuKarnatakaTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Preeti TomarDelhiIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Radhika ShuklaTripuraIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Raghav TiwariMizoramTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Raghav TomarSikkimIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Rahul BhattacharyaAndhra PradeshIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Rahul TrivediPuducherryTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Rakesh JoshiNagalandTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Rashmi GhoshServicesIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Reyansh KumarSikkimIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Reyna BhatiaRailwaysTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Reyna DuttaArunachal PradeshTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Rishi ShettyRajasthanWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Rishi SuriDelhiTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Ritvik SolankiRailwaysWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Riya AwasthiManipurIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Riya KrishnanNagalandTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Ruchi DashPuducherryTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Ruchi KhannaChandigarhIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Ruchi MarandiDelhiTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Ruchi MitraTripuraTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Ruchi MurmuPunjabIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Saanvi ShahTripuraWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Sameer PatelPuducherryIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Sandeep PradhanGujaratTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Sanket ParmarGujaratTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Sanya RanaRailwaysTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
- Shaurya BishtBiharWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Shaurya ChopraMeghalayaIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Shreya KrishnanTamil NaduIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Shreya KulkarniPunjabIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Shreya SinghMadhya PradeshIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Shreya TiwariUttarakhandTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Sneha KarJammu and KashmirTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Tanmay GhoshGujaratWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Tara AhujaGujaratWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Tara SinghServicesTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Tarun ChauhanMadhya PradeshTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Tarun RawatBiharIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Tarun TopnoGoaWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Trisha BansalArunachal PradeshTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Trisha KaurTripuraIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Trisha KrishnanUttar PradeshWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Urvi NairNagalandWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Vaishali AhujaGoaWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Vanya NairUttar PradeshIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Varsha MarandiAndhra PradeshTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Varsha TyagiKeralaIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Varun DasDelhiIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Varun DashTelanganaTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Vihaan JadhavManipurWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Vikas BansalNagalandWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Vikas TrivediUttar PradeshTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Vinay BhallaWest BengalTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Vishal GuptaManipurIndividual
Individual kendoka with rapid kote attacks and strong seme.
- Vishal NaiduOdishaWomen Team
Women's team kendoka strong in both kihon and shiai.
- Vishal SharmaDelhiTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Yash BansalTripuraTeam Jiho
Team jiho who absorbs pressure and counters cleanly.
- Yash NegiPuducherryTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Yash SenPuducherryTeam Chuken
Team chuken who anchors the middle order with consistent ippon.
- Yash ShahMizoramWomen Individual
Women's individual kendoka with precise men-uchi technique.
- Zaid BoseKarnatakaIndividual
Individual kendoka with sharp men strikes and disciplined kamae.
- Zaid MitraHaryanaTeam Taisho
Team taisho who closes out fixtures with experienced calm.
- Zaid RoyChhattisgarhIndividual
Individual kendoka who controls distance with crisp footwork.
- Zara DeshpandeGujaratTeam Fukusho
Team fukusho who turns close matches with sharp do strikes.
- Zara VarmaPunjabTeam Senpo
Team senpo who sets tempo with aggressive opening attacks.
Rules
Bouts are decided across a fixed number of rounds inside a ring, mat or cage, with victory by points, submission, technical superiority, knockout, disqualification or referee stoppage depending on the discipline. Weight categories are strictly enforced, weigh-ins are held before every event, and the referee has full authority to stop a bout for safety. WADA anti-doping and federation medical clearance apply at every level.
Authoritative rulebook: All India Kendo Federation. Age-group and school-level variations are published by SGFI and the state associations each season.
Positions
Key roles, events or positions inside a kendo squad or competition.
- Fighter / competitorContests bouts inside the ring, mat or cage in a set weight category.
- Corner / secondCoach in the corner during the bout — allowed to instruct between rounds.
- Referee & judgesOfficiate the bout, score rounds and enforce safety rules.
- Cutman / medicalManages cuts, swelling and immediate medical needs between rounds.
Equipment
Standard kit and infrastructure required to train and compete in kendo at a federation-recognised event.
- Approved gloves, headguard, mouthguard, groin guard and shin/instep protection
- Weight-class-appropriate singlet, gi, dobok or shorts
- Wraps, tapes and cornerman kit
- Weigh-in scale, timer and mat/ring/cage to federation spec
- Medical and cutman supplies at every bout
Governing body
All India Kendo Federation is the recognised national body for Kendo in India. It sets the domestic calendar, selection norms, coaching curriculum and anti-doping compliance, and is affiliated to the international federation for kendo. State associations under All India Kendo Federation run age-group competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
- Origin
- Feudal Japan
- Olympic
- No
- Category
- Combat
Major Indian Events
Domestic championships, Khelo India events, National Games and franchise leagues that shape the kendo calendar in India.
- All India Kendo Federation Senior National Championship
The primary domestic kendo title and the main selection trial for the senior India team.
- All India Kendo Federation Junior & Sub-Junior National Championship
Age-group nationals that feed the Khelo India Talent Development scheme and the senior camp.
- Khelo India Youth Games & University Games — Kendo
India's largest multi-sport scouting platform; medallists become eligible for KIA stipends and boarding at accredited centres.
- National Games of India — Kendo
Quadrennial multi-sport meet contested by state teams; state governments give cash awards, jobs and land grants to medallists.
International Events
Continental and world-level competitions where India competes in kendo.
- Asian Games & Asian Championships
Continental championship pathway sanctioned by All India Kendo Federation; medallists receive central and state cash awards.
- Commonwealth Games / Championships
Commonwealth-level competition where India regularly fields medal contenders in kendo.
- World Championships
The senior world title event of the international federation — the peak of the kendo calendar outside the Olympic year.
Leagues
No dedicated professional league is currently catalogued for kendo. The national championship under All India Kendo Federation remains the top domestic competition.
All leagues →International Players
Globally recognised kendo athletes to know outside India.
- Mikaela Mayer (USA) / Naoya Inoue (Japan)World-title boxers headlining the current pro scene.
- Islam Makhachev (Russia)UFC lightweight champion.
- Zaur Uguev (Russia)Two-time Olympic and multiple-time World wrestling champion.
- Kim Yu-Jin (South Korea)Olympic taekwondo gold medallist.
- Uta Abe (Japan)Olympic and World judo champion.
Records
Where to find India's official kendo record book.
- Olympic medalsN/A
Kendo is not on the Olympic programme, so India records this discipline through Asian Games, Commonwealth, World and Continental championships instead.
- Asian Games medalsTracked
India's Asian Games results in kendo are compiled by the Indian Olympic Association and the All India Kendo Federation.
- Commonwealth medalsTracked
Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Championship medals in kendo are maintained by the All India Kendo Federation.
- World Championship medalsTracked
Senior, junior and youth World Championship medal records are held by the international federation for kendo and mirrored by All India Kendo Federation.
- National record holdersFederation register
All India Kendo Federation publishes the current senior, junior and sub-junior national records and updates them after every ratified event.
Career Options
Ways to build a career in kendo — on the field, on the sidelines and behind the scenes.
- National-camp athlete on TOPS with international competition support
- Coach at SAI, private academy or dojo/akhara
- Referee, judge and cornerman certified by the federation
- Cutman, sports medicine and combat-specific physiotherapy
- Government jobs via sports quota, defence and paramilitary intake
- Fight promotion, MMA/boxing management and broadcast careers
Related academies
0 listedNo kendo academies are catalogued in the directory yet. Browse the full academy list or list your academy to appear here.
Government Schemes
…Central and state schemes that fund training, stipends and awards for kendo athletes and academies.
Loading schemes…
All government schemes →FAQs
Common questions about kendo in India.
Who governs Kendo in India?▾
All India Kendo Federation is the recognised national federation for Kendo in India. State associations under All India Kendo Federation run age-group and state-level competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
Is Kendo an Olympic sport?▾
Kendo is not currently on the Olympic programme, but India competes at Asian Games, Commonwealth Games (where recognised), World Championships and other continental events sanctioned by All India Kendo Federation.
How do I start playing Kendo in India?▾
Join a school team under SGFI, a college team under AIU, or a private academy affiliated to your state association. From there, age-group state championships and Khelo India events are the standard route into the national pipeline.
What government schemes support Kendo athletes?▾
The core schemes are Khelo India (talent development stipends, scholarships and boarding at accredited centres), TOPS (funding for elite athletes preparing for the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games), and state-government cash awards, jobs and land grants for medallists. Federation-specific schemes may also apply.
Where can I train for Kendo?▾
Sports Authority of India (SAI) national centres of excellence, Khelo India accredited academies, state sports institutes and private academies registered with the state association are the standard training venues. The Academies section on this page lists options.
How are Indian Kendo athletes selected for international events?▾
All India Kendo Federation runs selection trials — typically the senior national championship, a dedicated trial event, or ranking-based selection — and publishes the selection policy each season. Objective criteria (times, distances, ranking points, weight-class results) dominate at the elite level.
Kendo in every state & UT
Dedicated pages for Kendo in each Indian state and Union Territory — academies, schemes, athletes and how to start.
- Kendo in Andhra Pradesh
- Kendo in Arunachal Pradesh
- Kendo in Assam
- Kendo in Bihar
- Kendo in Chhattisgarh
- Kendo in Goa
- Kendo in Gujarat
- Kendo in Haryana
- Kendo in Himachal Pradesh
- Kendo in Jharkhand
- Kendo in Karnataka
- Kendo in Kerala
- Kendo in Madhya Pradesh
- Kendo in Maharashtra
- Kendo in Manipur
- Kendo in Meghalaya
- Kendo in Mizoram
- Kendo in Nagaland
- Kendo in Odisha
- Kendo in Punjab
- Kendo in Rajasthan
- Kendo in Sikkim
- Kendo in Tamil Nadu
- Kendo in Telangana
- Kendo in Tripura
- Kendo in Uttar Pradesh
- Kendo in Uttarakhand
- Kendo in West Bengal
- Kendo in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Kendo in Chandigarh
- Kendo in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Kendo in Delhi
- Kendo in Jammu & Kashmir
- Kendo in Ladakh
- Kendo in Lakshadweep
- Kendo in Puducherry