Indian Kabaddi Team Aims for Gold at 2026 Asian Games

Indian Kabaddi Team Prepares for Asian Games Challenge

New Delhi [India], September 19: As the Indian men's Kabaddi team gears up to represent the nation at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, players Aslam Inamdar and newcomer Devank Dalal emphasize the importance of embracing the honor of playing for India without succumbing to pressure. The team is focused on securing another gold medal.

The Indian squad will kick off its Asian Games journey against the host nation, Japan, on September 21. Following this, they will compete against South Korea on September 22, Bangladesh on September 23, and Chinese Taipei on September 24, as part of Group A.

The semi-finals are set for September 25, with the gold medal match taking place on September 26.

For Devank Dalal, this event marks his debut at a significant international multi-sport competition. The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12's second-highest scoring raider, who accumulated 271 raid points, expressed that this opportunity brings a heightened sense of responsibility.

“This is my first time attending the Asian Games. I feel happy for myself, my family, and my coach. Now that I am going, my responsibilities have increased. I must bring home the gold for India. If India has selected me, I must deliver,” Dalal stated.

At just 23 years old, he believes that the expectations placed on the Indian team should be seen as a responsibility rather than a source of pressure. “You don’t need to feel pressured. Pressure and responsibility are distinct. Here, it’s all about responsibility, not pressure. If you feel pressured, you won’t perform well. If you don’t perform, how can India win? We will play freely and aim for victory,” he added.

Aslam Inamdar, a member of the gold-medal winning team from the 2022 Asian Games, noted that the current squad has built strong camaraderie through their experiences in the Pro Kabaddi League and national training camps.

“There is excellent chemistry within the team. All players are stars and captains of their respective teams in the PKL. Our experiences in the PKL have been very positive, fostering strong bonds within the Indian team,” Inamdar remarked.

He also emphasized the importance of seasoned players in guiding younger teammates as they approach their first international competition with confidence. “Young players like Ayaan, Ankit, and Rahul have substantial experience in PKL and Nationals. However, international matches differ slightly. Consistency is crucial, so they are encouraged to play with a clear mind and take pride in representing the country while striving for gold,” he concluded.

Indian Men’s Kabaddi Team for the 2026 Asian Games:

Sunil Kumar (captain)

Pawan Sehrawat

Ankit Jaglan

Aslam Inamdar

Ashu Malik

Ayan Lohchab

Devank Dalal

Arjun Deshwal

Jaideep Dahiya

Rahul Sethpal

Gaurav Khatri

Sumit Sangwan.