India’s build-up to the Asian Games 2026 is now in full swing, with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India working alongside Mashal Sports to shape the next set of national squads. A week-long conditioning camp held at the Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary brought together 90 leading players from across the country, split evenly between the men’s and women’s groups.
The camp, which ran from late March into early April, was less about match play and more about setting physical standards. Players were put through a series of fitness tests and technical drills, with a strong focus on endurance and overall readiness. The idea was simple, build a solid base first, then fine-tune tactics later. From this initial pool of 45 players in each category, only 14 will eventually be selected, so the margin for error is already slim.
A long road to final selection for Asian Games begins
The men’s group has a familiar look, packed with names who have consistently performed in the Pro Kabaddi League. Raiders like Pawan Sehrawat, Naveen Kumar, and Arjun Deshwal headline the attack, offering both reliability and the ability to handle pressure. Alongside them are players such as Ashu Malik and Aslam Inamdar, while younger options like Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab add depth and variation.
Defensively, the squad looks equally strong. Sunil Kumar anchors the unit, with support from Rahul Sethpal and Gaurav Khatri. The presence of all-rounders like Vijay Malik, Nitesh Kumar, and Bharat Hooda gives the team flexibility, something that often proves crucial in tournament settings.
On the women’s side, the structure is built around experience. Ritu Negi and Sonali Shingate lead a group that has already delivered on the big stage. India’s women have a strong record at the Asian Games, and the expectation is to maintain that level. There is quiet confidence within the camp, with the focus firmly on adding another gold medal to their history.
The kabaddi events are scheduled from September 21 to 26 at the Tokai City Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture. For the men’s team, this is an opportunity to reassert themselves at the top after recent challenges, while the women aim to continue their consistent run of success.
With more camps, trials, and match simulations expected in the coming months, the process is only just getting started. Performances, fitness levels, and consistency will ultimately decide who makes the final cut, as India shapes its squads for another run at continental honours.