India Men's Kabaddi Squad for Asian Games 2026 Announced: Pawan Sehrawat, Aslam Inamdar, Ashu Malik Headline Strong 12

The wait is finally over. With the Asian Games 2026 drawing closer, India has revealed its men's kabaddi squad for the continental showpiece. The 12-member squad brings together established stars, experienced campaigners and some of the most exciting young talent in Indian kabaddi. India will enter the tournament with enormous expectations. The country has been one of the dominant forces in Asian Games kabaddi and is the reigning men's champion. The kabaddi competition at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 26. And now, the players who will carry India's hopes have been revealed.

India Men's Kabaddi Squad for Asian Games 2026

The 12-member squad features:

1. Pawan Sehrawat
2. Aslam Inamdar
3. Ashu Malik
4. Devank Dalal
5. Arjun Deshwal
6. Ayan Lochab
7. Sunil Malik
8. Jaideep Dahiya
9. Rahul Sethpal
10. Gaurav Khatri
11. Sumit Sangwan
12. Ankit Jaglan

It is a squad that immediately stands out for its balance. There is explosive raiding, all-round ability and a strong defensive core, giving India several options depending on the opposition and match situation.

Pawan Sehrawat Leads India's Star-Studded Attack

Whenever India enters a major kabaddi tournament, Pawan Sehrawat is one of the first names that attracts attention. Known for his explosive running hand touches, strength and ability to change the momentum of a match almost single-handedly, Pawan brings international experience and big-match pedigree to the squad. But this time, India will not be dependent on one raider. Ashu Malik, Arjun Deshwal, Aslam Inamdar, Devank Dalal and Ayan Lochab give the team considerable depth in the attacking department. That variety could become one of India's biggest strengths. Different opponents require different approaches, and having multiple raiding options allows the team management to change its strategy without weakening the overall unit.

Aslam Inamdar Adds the All-Round Dimension

Aslam Inamdar's selection adds another important dimension to the squad. The Maharashtra star has established himself as one of the most versatile players in Indian kabaddi, capable of contributing in both departments. His ability to influence a match beyond just traditional raiding makes him particularly valuable in a tournament where every possession can matter. His experience in high-pressure Pro Kabaddi League matches will also be useful when India faces the continent's strongest teams. The importance of players who can contribute across departments was evident during the 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship, where Aslam played a key role for Maharashtra.

Arjun Deshwal Brings Another Proven Raider

Arjun Deshwal is another major weapon in India's attacking arsenal. One of the most consistent raiders in the Pro Kabaddi League, Arjun has built a reputation for his ability to collect points through calculated raids while maintaining pressure on the opposition defence. Having both Pawan Sehrawat and Arjun Deshwal gives India two very different attacking threats. And that could make India's raiding unit particularly difficult to read. If one raider is struggling to find rhythm, India has enough quality on the bench to change the complexion of the game.

India's Defence Could Be the Difference

While India's raiders will naturally receive much of the attention, the defensive unit could ultimately determine how far this team goes. Sunil Malik, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, Sumit Sangwan and Ankit Jaglan form the defensive backbone of the squad. Sunil brings experience and leadership qualities, while the younger members of the defensive unit offer athleticism and aggression. In a major tournament, defence often becomes increasingly important as the pressure rises. A successful tackle can completely shift momentum, while a defensive error can give an opponent a crucial all-out opportunity. India's combination of experienced defenders and emerging talent gives the team plenty of flexibility.

A Squad Built for the Asian Games Pressure

The selection also reflects the broader preparation undertaken by Indian kabaddi's high-performance system. Earlier this year, AKFI and Mashal Sports conducted a dedicated strength and conditioning camp at the Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary for the men's and women's Asian Games probables. The camp included several of the players who eventually became part of India's final squad, including Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, Aslam Inamdar and Ashu Malik. That preparation will now move into its most important phase. The Asian Games are not simply another tournament. For India, kabaddi at the continental level carries enormous expectations. Every opponent will want to defeat India. Every match will come with pressure. And every player selected will know that there is very little room for mistakes.

Can India Defend Its Asian Games Kabaddi Gold?

That is now the biggest question. India has historically been the dominant force in men's kabaddi at the Asian Games and enters Aichi-Nagoya 2026 as the defending champion. But the competition has changed. Iran remains one of India's biggest threats. Pakistan has also continued to develop its kabaddi programme, while other Asian nations are becoming increasingly competitive. India's group-stage draw includes Japan, Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh and South Korea, meaning the team will have to remain focused from its opening match. The margin between winning and losing at this level can be extremely small.

The Road to Gold Begins Now

For Indian kabaddi fans, the announcement of the squad marks the beginning of the final countdown. From Pawan Sehrawat's explosive raids to Arjun Deshwal's consistency, Ashu Malik's attacking ability and Aslam Inamdar's all-round influence, India possesses plenty of firepower. At the same time, the defensive unit provides the foundation required to compete against the best teams in Asia. Now comes the difficult part: turning individual talent into one cohesive unit. The names are impressive. The expectations are enormous. And the target is obvious. Another Asian Games gold medal for India.

When India steps onto the mat in Japan, it will not simply be defending a title. It will be defending a legacy built over decades of dominance in Asian kabaddi. And with this 12-member squad, the journey toward another gold medal has officially begun.

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