Captain Sunil Kumar Prepares Indian Kabaddi Team for 2026 Asian Games

As the Indian Kabaddi team trains for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Captain Sunil Kumar shares insights on leadership, fitness, and the team's preparation. With a strong focus on performance and a legacy of excellence, the team aims for gold, identifying Iran as their toughest rival. Sunil reflects on the advantages gained from the Pro Kabaddi League and the pride of representing India on such a grand stage. Discover more about their journey and aspirations as they prepare for this prestigious tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 17, 2026, 23:38 IST

Captain Sunil Kumar on Leadership and Preparation

The Indian Kabaddi team is currently training at the SAI campus in Gandhinagar under the guidance of the AKFI, gearing up for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Captain Sunil Kumar, who boasts the record for the most victories as a captain in Pro Kabaddi League history with 87 wins across teams like Gujarat Giants, Jaipur Pink Panthers, and U Mumba, expresses that leading the team does not feel burdensome. Instead, it feels like a natural progression following the extensive effort the team has invested.

Reflecting on the honor of leading India in such a significant tournament, Sunil emphasized that representing the nation is a source of pride not only for him but also for everyone who has supported him along the way, including his teachers, family, and elder brother. "Now that I am captain, the responsibility is greater. However, with the level of preparation we have undertaken, there is no pressure—only readiness," he stated, as per a release from the PKL.

Focus on Fitness

The strength and conditioning camp held at the IIS center in Bellary, organized by AKFI in partnership with Mashal Sports, the Pro Kabaddi League promoters, has been crucial in their preparation. Sunil highlighted this phase as transformative, stating, "A player's performance on the mat improves with better fitness. At IIS Bellary, we pinpointed our weaknesses, worked on them individually, and optimized our nutrition. This foundational work has made a significant impact."

The PKL Advantage

Discussing the influence of the Pro Kabaddi League on the team's development, Sunil remarked, "PKL has provided our players with a platform that was previously unavailable. Competing for 2-3 months each year against international raiders and defenders in high-pressure situations translates directly to the international stage. This is why our team enters competitions with confidence rather than anxiety."

Aiming for Gold

Sunil led the Jaipur Pink Panthers to victory in Season 9 of the league in 2022, a highlight of his career. With Kabaddi at the Asian Games, the expectation is clear: only gold will suffice. Sunil stated, "In Kabaddi, bronze or silver are not considered satisfactory; the goal is always gold. There is some pressure associated with this, given the legacy of great players who have worn this jersey. However, we draw strength from our seniors and legends who have achieved gold, and we are determined to follow in their footsteps."

Toughest Rival: Iran

Looking ahead to potential competitors, Sunil identified Iran as the primary challenge. "In the last three Asian Games, Iran has been our most formidable opponent. We narrowly won by two points in 2014, lost in 2018, and won by four points in 2023. It would be significant to defeat them again, ideally by a strong margin," he added.

Indian Kabaddi Team for 2026 Asian Games

The Indian Kabaddi Team for the 2026 Asian Games includes: Sunil Kumar (captain), Pawan Sehrawat, Ankit Jaglan, Aslam Inamdar, Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, Arjun Deshwal, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, and Sumit Sangwan.