Nepal Announces Men's Kabaddi Squad for the 20th Asian Games 2026

Nepal has officially announced its Men's Kabaddi Squad for the 20th Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. With the continent's biggest multi-sport event approaching, Nepal has assembled a balanced squad featuring experienced campaigners alongside exciting young talents. Kabaddi continues to grow rapidly in Nepal, and the upcoming Asian Games present another opportunity for the nation to measure itself against Asian powerhouses like India, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei. The selected squad will undergo intensive preparations before traveling to Japan, aiming to improve upon Nepal's previous international performances.

Nepal Men's Kabaddi Squad for Asian Games 2026

The following players have been selected to represent Nepal:

• Ghanshyam Roka Magar
• Anku Pun
• Aditya Chaudhary
• Prakash Giri
• Suraj Bohara
• Sanskar Kumar
• Ravi Tharu
• Ashok Joshi
• Sagar Yadav
• Kumar Lama
• Ganesh Parki
• Karun Rasaili

Coaching Staff

• Head Coach: Bishnu Datt Bhatt
• Coach: Kalyan Bhujel
• Manager: Parshuram Oli

A Young Squad with Growing Potential

Nepal has largely retained a youthful core, highlighting the country's focus on long-term development. Many of the selected players have represented Nepal in regional competitions and domestic championships, earning recognition through consistent performances. The squad combines athleticism, speed, and defensive discipline, qualities that have become increasingly important in modern international kabaddi.

A Tough Road Ahead

Nepal faces a difficult challenge at the Asian Games, where every match is played at an exceptionally high level. The men's competition features some of the world's strongest kabaddi nations, making every group-stage fixture crucial.

For Nepal, success will depend on:

• Consistent raiding efficiency.
• Strong defensive coordination.
• Minimizing unforced errors.
• Converting close matches into victories.

Against elite opponents, maintaining composure during pressure situations could be the deciding factor.

Building for the Future

Although Nepal enters the tournament as an underdog, the country has made steady progress in recent years. Increased participation in international competitions and improved domestic structures have helped develop a stronger pool of players. The 2026 Asian Games provide another valuable opportunity for this squad to gain experience on the biggest stage while continuing Nepal's rise in Asian kabaddi.

Final Thoughts

Nepal's squad for the 20th Asian Games 2026 reflects a blend of youthful ambition and experienced guidance. While the road to the knockout stages will be challenging, the team has the opportunity to showcase the progress of Nepali kabaddi and compete against the continent's best. With dedicated preparation and disciplined performances, Nepal will aim to leave a lasting impression in Aichi-Nagoya 2026.