New Delhi, September 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India men’s kabaddi captain Sunil Kumar believes the team is well prepared for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with an extended training programme helping the players develop combinations, refine tactics and strengthen their individual skills.
The 27-year-old right defender, who was part of India’s gold-medal-winning campaign at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, will lead a squad combining experienced players and emerging talent.
Four members of the Hangzhou gold-medal-winning team — Sunil, Arjun Deshwal, Aslam Inamdar and Pawan Sehrawat — are part of the current 12-member squad.
The team also includes established Pro Kabaddi League players such as Ashu Malik, Jaideep Dahiya, Devank Dalal and Rahul Sethpal, while Ayan Lohchab represents the younger generation.
Sunil said the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the kabaddi federation began the national camp six to eight months ahead of the Games, giving the squad adequate time to work on combinations and strategy.
“The preparation has been very good because our federation and SAI started our camp six to eight months ago. We have planned the team combination and strategy well,” Sunil told SAI Media.
“We first practised at SAI Bengaluru, then went to Bellary for training, and now our camp is at SAI Gandhinagar,” he added.
The extended preparation has also helped the players gain clarity about their individual responsibilities and the team’s overall tactical approach.
India will enter the Asian Games looking to maintain its strong record in kabaddi. The men’s team won gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, with Sunil, Arjun, Aslam and Pawan contributing to that campaign.
“Our senior players gave the team a different identity and brought so many gold medals for India. We want to maintain that legacy, add another gold medal to India’s tally and follow the path that our legends have created,” Sunil said.
The captain stressed that success would depend on a collective effort, particularly with India possessing strength in both raiding and defence.
“You cannot win just by one person’s effort. This time, our raiding and defence departments are both quite strong. To a large extent, we have the top players in kabaddi in our team, whether you look at the raiders or the defenders,” he said.
“We have done all the preparation. We have worked on our strategy, team combination, fitness and individual skills. Now we have to execute all of that properly when the competition comes. The effort of one player will not be enough. Everyone has to contribute. Our raiders, defenders and all-rounders have to work together as one team,” Sunil added.
The kabaddi competition will be held at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Tokai City, Aichi Prefecture. India’s campaign will begin on September 21, with the finals scheduled for September 26.
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