The Indian men's kabaddi team will enter the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a clear objective - reclaiming the gold medal. As the squad prepares for its campaign, experienced campaigner Aslam Inamdar and debutant Devank Dalal have stressed the importance of playing with freedom rather than allowing expectations to turn into pressure.
India will open its Group A campaign against hosts Japan on September 21 before taking on the Republic of Korea on September 22, Bangladesh on September 23 and Chinese Taipei on September 24. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 25, followed by the gold medal match on September 26.
For Devank, the tournament represents his first Asian Games appearance and a significant step in his international career.
The 23-year-old arrives after an impressive Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 campaign, where he finished as the second-highest scoring raider with 271 raid points.
Reflecting on his selection, Dalal said: "This is my first time going to an Asian Games. I am happy for myself, my family and my coach. I am happy for everyone. Now that I am going, my responsibilities have increased. I will have to bring gold for India. If India has chosen me, I will have to do it. "
However, the youngster believes expectations should inspire the players rather than weigh them down.
"You don't have to take pressure. Pressure and responsibility are two different things. Here, there is only responsibility, not pressure. We don't believe that pressure is a thing. If you take pressure, you won't be able to play. If you don't play, how will India win? We will play without pressure and win," he stated.
Inamdar, part of India's gold-winning side at the 2022 Asian Games, also pointed to the strong understanding within the current squad. Many of the players have shared the Pro Kabaddi League stage and national camps, helping establish familiarity ahead of the tournament.
"There is a very good bonding with the team. Because all of them are our stars. They are the captains of every team in PKL. We had a very good experience in PKL. They had a very good game in PKL. There is a good bonding with the Indian team," said Inamdar.
Indian Men's Kabaddi Team
Sunil Kumar (captain), Pawan Sehrawat, Ankit Jaglan, Aslam Inamdar, Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, Arjun Deshwal, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, Sumit Sangwan
