Who Will Captain India at the 2026 Asian Games?

The 2026 Asian Games are still a few months away, but one question is already dominating discussions among kabaddi fans:

Who will captain the Indian men's kabaddi team?

India enters the tournament as the defending Asian Games champion after winning gold in Hangzhou 2022. Choosing the captain will be one of the biggest decisions for the coaching staff, as leadership can influence tactics, confidence, and team chemistry.

Three names stand out as the strongest contenders:

• Pawan Sehrawat
• Sunil Kumar Malik
• Aslam Inamdar

Each brings a different style of leadership.

1. Pawan Sehrawat – The Proven Leader

Position: Raider
Current PKL Team: Tamil Thalaivas

Pawan Sehrawat is the obvious front-runner, He captained India to the 2022 Asian Games gold medal and also led the team to victory in the 2023 Asian Kabaddi Championship. Few players understand the pressure of international kabaddi better than Pawan.

Why Pawan Is a Strong Candidate

• Current Indian captain.
• Big-match experience.
• Proven international success.
• Respected by teammates.
• Match-winner under pressure.

If AKFI wants stability and continuity, retaining Pawan as captain would be the safest option.

2. Sunil Kumar Malik – The Tactical Mastermind

Position: Right Cover
Current PKL Team: U Mumba

If leadership is measured by tactical intelligence, Sunil Kumar Malik is one of the finest captains in modern kabaddi. He has built an outstanding captaincy record in the Pro Kabaddi League and has consistently guided his teams with calm decision-making and strong defensive organization.

Why Sunil Is a Strong Candidate

• One of PKL's most successful captains.
• Excellent defensive strategist.
• Calm under pressure.
• Reads the game exceptionally well.
• Experienced vice-captain for India.

Against structured international teams like Iran, Sunil's tactical approach could prove extremely valuable.

3. Aslam Inamdar – The Future Leader

Position: All-Rounder
Current PKL Team: Puneri Paltan

Aslam Inamdar represents the next generation of Indian kabaddi. Still in his mid-20s, he has already shown exceptional leadership while captaining Puneri Paltan and has developed into one of India's best all-rounders.

Why Aslam Is a Strong Candidate

• Young and energetic leader.
• Excellent all-round abilities.
• Strong communication on the mat.
• Understands both attack and defence.
• Could lead India for many years.

Many fans believe Aslam could become India's long-term captain after the 2026 Asian Games.

Who Has the Best Chance?

Pawan Sehrawat

Best for: Continuity and experience, If the selectors prefer to continue with the leadership group that won the Asian Games, Pawan remains the strongest choice.

Sunil Kumar Malik

Best for: Tactical tournaments, His defensive mindset and calm leadership make him an excellent option against disciplined international opponents.

Aslam Inamdar

Best for: Building the future, Giving Aslam the captaincy would signal the beginning of a new era for Indian kabaddi.

ADT Sports Analysis

Based on the current situation, Pawan Sehrawat appears to be the strongest candidate to retain the captaincy, primarily because India is defending its Asian Games title and he has already proven himself on the international stage. However, Sunil Kumar Malik is equally deserving and offers a different style of leadership that could be highly effective in a tournament setting. Aslam Inamdar looks like the ideal long-term leader and could be a strong candidate for the vice-captain's role while continuing to establish himself at the international level. Ultimately, the final decision will depend on the coaching staff, player form during the national camp, fitness, and team balance.

Final Thoughts

India has an enviable problem, multiple players capable of leading the national team. Whether the selectors choose the proven leadership of Pawan Sehrawat, the tactical brilliance of Sunil Kumar Malik, or the youthful energy of Aslam Inamdar, the Indian team will enter the 2026 Asian Games with one of the strongest leadership groups in world kabaddi. The official announcement is expected after the conclusion of the national coaching camp and before the team departs for Aichi-Nagoya.