Indian Kabaddi Team Aims for Gold at 2026 Asian Games

Indian Kabaddi Team Prepares for Asian Games

The Indian men's Kabaddi team is gearing up to compete in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Players Aslam Inamdar and newcomer Devank Dalal emphasize the importance of embracing the honor of representing India without succumbing to pressure. Their goal is to secure another gold medal for the nation.

The team's journey in the Asian Games will kick off against the host nation, Japan, on September 21. Following this, they will face South Korea on September 22, Bangladesh on September 23, and Chinese Taipei on September 24, all part of Group A. The semi-finals are set for September 25, with the gold medal match scheduled for September 26.

Devank Dalal's First Major International Appearance

For Devank Dalal, this will be his inaugural participation in a major international multi-sport event. As the second-highest scoring raider in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, with 271 raid points, he acknowledges the heightened responsibility that comes with this opportunity. "This is my first time going to the Asian Games. I am thrilled for myself, my family, and my coach. Now that I am going, my responsibilities have increased. I must bring gold for India. If India has chosen me, I will have to do it," Dalal expressed.

Dalal believes that the expectations placed on the team should be seen as a responsibility rather than a source of pressure. He stated, "You don’t have to take pressure. Pressure and responsibility are two different things. Here, there is only responsibility, not pressure. If you take pressure, you won’t be able to play. If you don’t play, how will India win? We will play without pressure and win."

Aslam Inamdar Discusses Team Dynamics

Aslam Inamdar, a member of the gold-medal winning team from the 2022 Asian Games, believes that the current squad has built strong chemistry through their experiences in the Pro Kabaddi League and national camps. "There is a very good bonding with the team. All of them are our stars, captains of every team in PKL. We had a very good experience in PKL, and there is a strong bond within the Indian team," Inamdar noted.

He also emphasized the importance of experienced players in guiding younger teammates as they approach their first international competition. "Young players like Ayaan, Ankit, and Rahul have a lot of experience in PKL and Nationals. However, international matches are a bit different. Consistency is crucial, so they are encouraged to play with a free mind and feel proud to represent the country in the quest for gold," he concluded.

2026 Asian Games Indian Men's Kabaddi Team Roster

The team comprises the following players: 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.