The Asian Games 2026 is one of the most awaited events for kabaddi fans. The competition will be held from 21 to 26 September 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Several nations, including Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Nepal, have already announced their men’s kabaddi squads. Now, all eyes are on Team India as fans eagerly wait for the official announcement of the final squad.
India has already begun its national training camp, where shortlisted players are preparing for the tournament. Based on the players currently in the camp and their recent performances, here’s our best possible India Men’s Kabaddi squad for the Asian Games 2026.
(1) Pawan Sehrawat
Pawan Sehrawat needs no introduction. One of the biggest stars in both the Pro Kabaddi League and international kabaddi, he has consistently delivered at the highest level. The current Indian captain and a gold medalist from the previous Asian Games.
A natural Right Raider, he can also contribute in defense as a Right Cover whenever needed, making him one of India’s most valuable all-round players.
(2) Ashu Malik
Ashu Malik is another outstanding Right Raider who captained Dabang Delhi to the PKL title last season. He scored 152 raid points in just 14 matches, once again proving his consistency.
More recently, he was named the Best Raider while representing Indian Railways at the 5th Senior Federation Cup 2026. With his experience and current form, Ashu is one of the strongest contenders for India’s final 12.
(3) Arjun Deshwal
Arjun Deshwal has been one of the most consistent raiders in Indian kabaddi. Representing Tamil Thalaivas last PKL season, he scored 209 raid points in 18 matches.
He also impressed at the 72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship, making him another strong candidate for the Indian squad.
(4) Devank Dalal
Devank Dalal has been one of the fastest-rising stars in Indian kabaddi over the past few years. His performances in the Pro Kabaddi League have been exceptional, and he has continued that form in domestic competitions.
He was also named the Best Player of the 5th Senior Federation Cup 2026 while representing Services. Looking at his recent performances, Devank is certainly one of the favourites to make India’s final squad.
(5) Ayan Lohchab
Ayan Lohchab is a young and talented Left Raider who has impressed everyone over the last two PKL seasons. Last season, he scored an incredible 316 raid points in 22 matches for Patna Pirates.
Since quality left raiders are limited in the current national camp, Ayan becomes an even stronger contender. It will be difficult for the selectors to overlook his performances.
(6) Aslam Inamdar
Aslam Inamdar is an experienced all-rounder who can contribute in both raiding and defense. He has already represented India at the international level and continues to be one of the most dependable players.
During the 72nd Senior National Kabaddi Championship, he made a huge impact in defense by scoring 16 tackle points. If India wants an experienced all-round option, Aslam is an excellent choice.
(7) Sunil Kumar
Sunil Kumar is expected to be one of the frontrunners for India’s captaincy this time. The experienced Right Cover defender enjoyed another impressive PKL season, scoring 52 tackle points in 19 matches.
He has also maintained excellent form in the Senior Nationals and is almost certain to feature as India’s first-choice Right Cover.
(8) Jaideep Dahiya
Like Sunil Kumar, Jaideep Dahiya is another experienced Cover defender who has been consistently performing at the highest level. The Left Cover defender scored 68 tackle points in 18 matches during the previous PKL season.
His performances in both the PKL and domestic tournaments make him the strongest option for India’s primary Left Cover position.
(9) Surjeet Singh
Surjeet Singh brings plenty of experience to the squad and also lifted the PKL trophy last season. He had another solid campaign and remains one of India’s most reliable defenders.
He could be selected as a backup Cover defender, capable of playing primarily at Right Cover while also filling in at Left Cover whenever required.
(10) Rahul Sethpal
Rahul Sethpal has established himself as one of the best Right Corner defenders in the country. He is currently in excellent form and scored 47 tackle points in 19 matches during the previous PKL season.
With his consistency and recent performances, Rahul is expected to be India’s first-choice Right Corner defender.
(11) Sumit Sangwan
Sumit Sangwan has been outstanding in both the Pro Kabaddi League and domestic competitions. He was named the Best Defender of the 5th Senior Federation Cup 2026, highlighting his current form.
A defender of his quality is very difficult to ignore, making him one of the strongest contenders for India’s final squad.
(12) Ankit Jaglan
Ankit Jaglan has continued to develop into a quality Left Corner defender. With valuable experience in both the PKL and domestic competitions, he has become a dependable option.
He could be selected as the backup Left Corner defender behind Sumit Sangwan and would add good depth to the squad.
Conclusion
In our opinion, this could be India’s best possible squad for the Asian Games 2026. However, the final squad has not been announced yet.
There are many talented and deserving players in the national camp, but only 12 can make the final team. Selecting the squad will be a difficult task for the selectors, especially with strong opponents like Iran and an improving South Korea expected to provide tough competition.
Stay tuned with Kabaddi Ultras for the latest updates from the Asian Games and the world of kabaddi.
