Indian Kabaddi Teams Set for Asian Games 2026 with High Hopes

As the Asian Games 2026 approaches, the Indian men's and women's kabaddi teams are fully prepared and determined to defend their gold medals. Head coach Balwan Singh emphasizes the importance of not underestimating opponents, while team captains Sunil Malik and Pushpa Rana express their commitment to achieving victory. With the competition intensifying globally, both teams are ready to showcase their skills in Japan. Discover more about their training and aspirations as they embark on this exciting journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 00:04 IST

Preparations Underway for Asian Games 2026

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], September 15: Balwan Singh, the head coach of the Indian men's kabaddi team, emphasized that the squad is fully prepared for the upcoming Asian Games 2026. He also cautioned against underestimating any rival teams.

On Tuesday, both the Indian men's and women's kabaddi teams departed for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with aspirations of clinching gold medals. The event is scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4.

In an interview, Balwan Singh expressed confidence in the team's readiness after completing training camps in Bengaluru and Ballari. He noted that every opponent poses a challenge, and consistent practice will be crucial for achieving success.

"We are on our way to Japan for the Asian Games, and our preparations are thorough. We held three camps in Bengaluru and one at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Ballari, culminating in our final camp. There are ten teams competing. Winning all six matches will secure us the gold medal," he stated.

"It's essential not to underestimate our opponents. Each team is formidable. Our strength lies in our practice; no one is inherently superior," he added.

Sunil Malik, the captain of the men's team, reiterated that his primary objective is to win gold at the Asian Games. After achieving gold in the last edition, he is determined to replicate that success for India. He acknowledged that the competition is becoming fiercer as the sport gains traction and more nations enhance their skills.

"Winning a gold medal at the Asian Games is a significant goal for any athlete. That is my focus. I participated in the previous Asian Games and won gold; my mindset remains the same—aiming for gold for India again. The competition is intensifying, partly due to India's influence, as more countries are stepping up their game. This growth is beneficial for the sport, as it raises the competitive level," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Pushpa Rana, captain of the women's team, stated that her squad is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. She identified Chinese Taipei and Iran as their most formidable opponents, while also noting the increasing global interest in Kabaddi and the importance of international exposure in advancing the sport.

"Our preparation has been outstanding... While all competing teams are strong, Chinese Taipei and Iran have been our toughest challengers over the past few years... International players and coaches participate in the men's league; when they return home, they bring back valuable insights that help develop the sport there. We are excited to see Kabaddi's growth and the opportunities it provides for players," she said.

The Indian men's and women's kabaddi teams will kick off their Asian Games 2026 campaigns in Japan on September 21, with the goal of defending their gold medals from the 2022 Hangzhou Games.