Indian Women's Kabaddi Team Prepares for 2026 Asian Games Challenge

The Indian women's Kabaddi team is gearing up for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with captain Pushpa Rana emphasizing motivation over pressure as they aim to defend their gold medal. The team has been rigorously preparing by analyzing opponents and improving their skills. With a strong focus on teamwork and inspiration for future generations, the squad is determined to maintain India's legacy in Kabaddi. The competition begins on September 21, with the team facing Bangladesh in their opening match. Read on to discover more about their journey and aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 15:32 IST

Team's Ambition for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

As the Indian women's Kabaddi team readies itself for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, captain Pushpa Rana and teammate Pooja Kajla express their determination to defend the nation's gold medal. They are motivated and focused on achieving the top position.

Rana, who leads the 12-member squad, mentioned that the team has been rigorously preparing by studying their opponents and addressing areas for improvement highlighted by their coaching staff. "We practice based on the situation and analyze videos of upcoming matches. Our coaches guide us on past shortcomings and necessary improvements. I believe our team is well-prepared," Rana stated.

Captain's Perspective: Embracing Motivation

Kabaddi has a rich history of success at the Asian Games, with India securing 11 gold medals, including three in the women's category. The team aims to defend the gold medal they won in Hangzhou, where they narrowly defeated Chinese Taipei 26-25 in the final.

Rana emphasized that the expectation to win again serves as a source of confidence rather than pressure. "I feel motivated. Our seniors have set a high standard, and it's our responsibility to continue that legacy. We view it as motivation, not pressure, and we are committed to maintaining that momentum," she explained.

Building Team Spirit and Experience

As she embarks on her first captaincy role, Rana highlighted the significance of experience within the team. Drawing from her time as vice-captain, she relies on the wisdom of senior players like Ritu Negi and Sonali Shingate to foster team cohesion. "I depend heavily on the seniors, as they have leadership experience. Their insights are invaluable to me," Rana noted. She also pointed out that Chinese Taipei is a formidable opponent, recalling their close match in the last Asian Games.

Inspiring Future Generations

For Arjuna awardee Pooja Kajla, winning another gold at the Asian Games is not just about victory; it's about inspiring young girls in sports. "Winning gold is crucial. Just like the girls in the Cricket World Cup, we can inspire younger generations. If we succeed, children will be encouraged to pursue sports," Kajla remarked.

Kajla also acknowledged the benefits of the strength and conditioning camp organized by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and Mashal Sports, which helped players develop better recovery and performance habits. "We learned a lot about sleep and recovery, which was very beneficial," she added.

Upcoming Matches and Team Roster

The Kabaddi events at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will kick off on September 21, with India’s women facing Bangladesh in their first Group A match. They will also compete against Iran on September 23 and Japan on September 24, followed by the semi-finals on September 25 and the gold medal match on September 26.

The Indian Women's Kabaddi Team for the 2026 Asian Games includes: Pushpa Rana (captain), Ritu Negi, Sonali Shingate, Sanju Devi, Pooja Kajla, Ritu Sheoran, Jyoti Thakur, Pinki Roy, Manisha Kumari, Bhavna Thakur, Raj Rani, and Nikita Kumari.