India name 90 kabaddi probables for Asian Games 2026 as elite camp wraps up in Bellary
Seven days at IIS Bellary set the baseline
India's kabaddi programme took a concrete step toward the 2026 Asian Games when the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and Mashal Sports wrapped up a seven-day strength and conditioning camp at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Bellary from March 27 to April 2. The camp brought together 90 elite athletes across the men's and women's squads, with 45 probables in each group assessed on fitness, technical skills, and match readiness.
A 14-member squad for each team will eventually be selected from this pool. The AKFI said performance, fitness, and consistency will be closely monitored in the coming months before the final cut.
PKL stars headline the men's probables
The men's group reads like a Pro Kabaddi League all-star roster. Pawan Sehrawat, Naveen Kumar, Ashu Malik, Arjun Deshwal, and Aslam Inamdar bring proven raiding pedigree and big-match composure. Sachin Tanwar, Pankaj Mohite, and the emerging Devank Dalal add depth, while Ayan Lohchab and Neeraj Narwal offer different raiding profiles that could suit specific opponents.
The defensive contingent is equally stacked. Sunil Kumar, widely regarded as one of India's finest corners, leads the group alongside Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, and Ankit Jaglan. All-rounders Vijay Malik, Nitesh Kumar, and Bharat Hooda round out a squad that gives the selectors plenty of flexibility.
Women's squad builds around experienced core
On the women's side, Ritu Negi leads a group that includes Sonali Shingate, Pushpa Rana, Champa Thakur, and Pinki Roy. Shingate, a veteran of multiple international tournaments, recently spoke publicly about wanting to help the team win an elusive Asian Games gold. The women's squad has historically performed well in continental competition and has won Asian Games gold in 2010, 2014 and 2023, with Shingate and her teammates targeting another title in Aichi-Nagoya.
September date in Japan looms large
Kabaddi at the 2026 Asian Games will run from September 21 to 26 at the Tokai City Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture. India's men have traditionally dominated the event, winning gold at every Asian Games from 2002 to 2014 before Iran broke the streak. The pressure to reclaim that gold will shape every decision the selectors make between now and September.
The AKFI camp at IIS Bellary was focused on high-performance conditioning rather than match practice, a deliberate choice to build physical baselines early. Further camps and trial matches are expected over the next few months before the squad is trimmed.
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