Asian Games prep: India’s kabaddi squad trains in Karnataka

India’s kabaddi stars are gearing up for another continental conquest as a high-performance training camp for probable Asian Games athletes kicks off in Bellary. The week-long camp, running from March 27 to April 2 at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) , brings together top players from both the men’s and women’s squads, including marquee names such as Naveen Kumar, Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, and Sonali Vishnu Shingate .

Designed to strengthen India’s kabaddi ecosystem, the camp will focus on advanced strength and conditioning, fitness optimisation, and long-term performance excellence. India’s dominance in kabaddi is well established, with both men’s and women’s teams entering the 2026 Asian Games in Japan (September 19 to October 4) as defending champions. Kabaddi matches are expected to take place during the main Games, likely in the final two weeks of September, with medal clashes toward the closing days.

The men’s contingent features stalwarts including Naveen Kumar, Arjun Deshwal, Pawan Sehrawat, Aslam Inamdar, Sunil Kumar, Ashu Malik, and Bharat Hooda . Leading the women’s section are members of India’s victorious Women’s Kabaddi World Cup squad , including skipper Ritu Negi , along with Sonali Vishnu Shingate, Pushpa Rana, Champa Thakur, Pinki Roy, Priya, and Karthika R .

“This initiative marks a significant step in our preparations as we continue to raise the standard of kabaddi in India,” said Vibhor Vineet Jain , president of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI). Pro Kabaddi League commissioner Anupam Goswami added, “With 45 probables in each group, the benefits of this camp will extend well beyond the final squads, nurturing the next generation of elite athletes.”

The camp underscores India’s continued commitment to excellence in kabaddi, ensuring its athletes are battle-ready for Japan, where the continent’s best will clash for glory in the Asian Games later this year.