Gandhinagar, September 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Indian men’s and women’s kabaddi teams received a warm send-off at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Gandhinagar as they prepare for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Both squads completed their final preparatory camp at the SAI NCOE from September 5 to 14 before beginning their Asian Games campaign. During the send-off ceremony, players were presented with traditional tika and garlands, while shawls were presented to the coaches, captains and vice-captains of both teams.
India will enter the competition with confidence after both teams won gold medals at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. The women’s team defeated Chinese Taipei 26-25 in the final, while the men beat Iran to claim the top prize.
Women’s captain Pushpa Rana said the growth of league kabaddi in India has helped strengthen the sport at both domestic and international levels.
She said players and coaches from different countries are gaining exposure through Indian leagues and taking that experience back to their respective nations, contributing to the sport’s global development.
Rana also praised the facilities at the SAI NCOE Gandhinagar, saying the centre provided the team with a conducive environment for its preparations.
Men’s captain Sunil Kumar said kabaddi has become faster and more tactical, resulting in increasingly challenging international competition. He highlighted the strength and conditioning facilities at the centre, saying they had supported the team’s physical preparation.
Women’s head coach Neeta Dadwe said the team had undergone extensive preparations through camps held in May and June, followed by training stints at JSW Ballari and SAI Gandhinagar.
Men’s head coach Balwan Singh expressed confidence in both squads, citing the players’ commitment, discipline and hard work during the camp. He also noted that kabaddi is evolving rapidly and gaining popularity in urban areas, moving beyond its traditional image as a rural sport.
The men’s coaching staff includes Balwan Singh as head coach, assisted by BC Ramesh and Anup Kumar. Neeta Dadwe will lead the women’s coaching staff, with Mamtha Poojari as assistant coach.
SAI Regional Director, RC Gandhinagar, Prashant Singh, wished both teams success and assured athletes of continued support and facilities.
After the Asian Games, the Indian teams are also scheduled to compete in the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 at Veer Savarkar Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 10 to 20.
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