Gold Is the Goal: Pawan Sehrawat Confident Ahead of Asian Games

India’s men’s kabaddi team enters the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games aiming to defend its gold medal, with star all-rounder Pawan Sehrawat saying the expectation of finishing on top will serve as motivation rather than pressure.

Sehrawat, who is part of the 12-member squad led by captain Sunil Kumar, said representing India at the Asian Games was a matter of immense pride and responsibility.

“I feel very proud to be one of the 12 guys chosen from such a large pool of population to represent the country,” Sehrawat said, adding that wearing the India jersey meant carrying the hopes and expectations of the entire nation.

India have won 11 Asian Games kabaddi gold medals, including eight in the men’s event and three in the women’s competition. The men’s team reclaimed the title at the 2022 Hangzhou Games after defeating Iran 33-29 in the final, while the women beat Chinese Taipei 26-25.

Sehrawat, who holds the Pro Kabaddi League record of 39 raid points in a single match, said the expectations surrounding Indian kabaddi reflected the team’s stature.

“You expect something from someone who deserves it, and you expect gold from Kabaddi. So it’s a proud moment for the Kabaddi team. That expectation gets converted into motivation and makes it easier to play,” he said.

The Indian squad has a mix of experienced players and newcomers, with eight members making their Asian Games debut. The team has also spent time together at a training camp in Gandhinagar from September 5 to 15.

Sehrawat said the preparations had helped the players develop trust and understanding. “The team is very confident. We have practiced a lot together. All the 12 players who have been selected make a great combination,” he said.

The Indian men’s squad comprises Sunil Kumar (captain), Pawan Sehrawat, Ankit Jaglan, Aslam Inamdar, Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, Arjun Deshwal, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri and Sumit Sangwan.

The kabaddi competition will be held from September 21 to 26 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture. India’s men begin their campaign against hosts Japan on September 21, while Iran are placed in the other group.

With the gold medal firmly in sight, Sehrawat said the squad was united by a single objective - to bring another Asian Games gold medal home.