India Men’s Kabaddi Squad Announced for Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad
India have announced a 14-player men’s squad for the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, featuring Naveen Kumar, Sachin Tanwar and other leading domestic players.
India’s 14-member men’s kabaddi squad has been announced for the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026. Headlined by experienced raiders Naveen Kumar and Sachin Tanwar, the team will represent the host nation when the tournament takes place in Ahmedabad from October 23 to 31. With the championship being held on home soil, India will look to make a strong start in the first edition of the competition and compete for the inaugural title.
India Men’s Kabaddi Squad for Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026
The squad graphic released for the championship features the following 14 players:
| No. | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sachin Tanwar |
| 2 | Naveen Kumar |
| 3 | Bharat Hooda |
| 4 | Pankaj Mohite |
| 5 | Aditya Shinde |
| 6 | Shivam Patare |
| 7 | Neeraj Narwal |
| 8 | Surjeet Narwal |
| 9 | Ajit Pawar |
| 10 | Nitesh Kumar |
| 11 | Shubham Shinde |
| 12 | Yogesh Dahiya |
| 13 | Deepak Sankar |
| 14 | Parvesh Malik |
Naveen Kumar and Sachin Tanwar Lead India’s Raiding Options
Naveen Kumar and Sachin Tanwar are among the headline names in India’s selection. Both have established themselves in the Pro Kabaddi League, and their raiding abilities will be important to India’s campaign. The squad also includes Pankaj Mohite, Aditya Shinde and Shivam Patare, giving India several options in attack. Bharat Hooda and Neeraj Narwal add versatility to the lineup. A variety of raiding options can help India adapt to different defensive combinations and match situations throughout the competition.
Defensive Strength Will Be Crucial
India’s defensive unit will also play a major role in the tournament. The squad includes Ajit Pawar, Nitesh Kumar, Shubham Shinde and Yogesh Dahiya, alongside the other defenders listed in the announcement. Strong coordination between the corners and covers, timely tackles and effective support during difficult raids will be important if India are to turn home advantage into a championship-winning campaign. The balance between attack and defence could prove decisive against the international teams competing in Ahmedabad.
Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026: Dates and Venue
The inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship is scheduled to take place at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from October 23 to 31, 2026. The tournament will bring together international kabaddi teams and give players an opportunity to compete for the first Commonwealth championship title.
Where to Watch
Television: Star Sports
Live streaming: JioHotstar
The announced broadcast arrangements will allow fans across India to follow the tournament.
Can India Win the Inaugural Title?
India will enter the competition with expectations from kabaddi fans, but the team will need to deliver on the mat against its international opponents. The selection combines established league performers with players looking to make their mark in international kabaddi. The tournament will provide an opportunity for the squad to build its identity, demonstrate its depth and compete for a historic title. With Ahmedabad hosting the inaugural edition, Indian supporters will have the chance to watch the national team compete at home.
Final Word
The announcement of India’s men’s squad marks another major step towards the first Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship. With Naveen Kumar, Sachin Tanwar and a group of experienced domestic performers in the lineup, India will aim to make the most of home conditions when the tournament begins on October 23.
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