India's Kabaddi Teams Set to Defend Titles at 20th Asian Games
Kickoff of Kabaddi at the Asian Games
The Indian men's and women's kabaddi teams are gearing up to start their journey at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on September 21. As the reigning champions, both teams aim to retain the titles they secured at the Hangzhou 2022 event.
Tournament Structure
The kabaddi competition will take place at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium from September 21 to 26. It will feature ten men's teams and eight women's teams competing in a round-robin format, followed by semi-finals and finals. India's men's team is placed in Group A with Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Bangladesh. Group B includes Iran, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, and Malaysia, strategically separating India and Iran during the group stage.
Women's Group Dynamics
The women's team is in Group A alongside Iran, Japan, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Chinese Taipei, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal. Unlike the men's team, the women will face Iran in the group stage.
Key Competitors
Iran is recognized as a formidable opponent in kabaddi, having won gold in both men's and women's categories at the Asian Games. They previously halted India's men's gold streak at Jakarta 2018 and defeated the women's team in the same event. However, India reclaimed their titles at Hangzhou, with the men defeating Iran and the women narrowly beating Chinese Taipei. Other notable teams include Chinese Taipei, which has emerged as a strong contender in women's kabaddi, and Bangladesh and South Korea, both of which have a history of success in the Asian Games.
Coaching Insights
Balwan Singh, the head coach for the men's team, boasts an impressive record with 14 international gold medals, including three Kabaddi World Cup titles. His assistant, BC Ramesh, has also achieved success in the Pro Kabaddi League. Singh emphasizes the importance of respecting all opponents, stating that no team should be underestimated.
The women's team, led by coaches Neeta Dadwe and Mamtha Poojari, is aiming for their fourth gold medal in five Asian Games. Captain Pushpa Rana and key player Sonali Shingate, along with MVP Sanju Devi from the 2025 Women's Kabaddi World Cup, are crucial to their strategy. Poojari highlighted Iran and Chinese Taipei as significant threats, noting the challenges ahead.
Match Schedule (IST)
1. Sep 21: Men vs Japan (9:45 AM), Women vs Bangladesh (4:15 PM) 2. Sep 22: Men vs South Korea (7:15 AM) 3. Sep 23: Women vs Iran (8:30 AM), Men vs Bangladesh (9:45 AM) 4. Sep 24: Men vs Chinese Taipei (9:45 AM), Women vs Japan (4:15 PM) 5. Sep 25: Women's SF1 (9:30 AM), Men's SF1 (10:45 AM), Women's SF2 (2:30 PM), Men's SF2 (3:45 PM) 6. Sep 26: Women's Final (9:30 AM), Men's Final (2:30 PM).