India Kabaddi at Asian Games 2026: Squad, Format and Defending Champions

India Kabaddi at Asian Games 2026

Kabaddi is one of India’s most anticipated sports at the Asian Games. India has won gold in kabaddi at every Asian Games edition since the sport’s inclusion in 1990 — a record of unbroken dominance spanning eight editions. Both the men’s and women’s national teams have never lost a final at the Asian Games. For 2026, the challenge comes primarily from Iran and Bangladesh in the men’s event, and South Korea and Thailand in the women’s event.

How Kabaddi Is Played

Two teams of seven compete on a rectangular court divided into halves. A raider from one team crosses into the opposition half and attempts to tag opponents and return without being tackled. The raider must continuously chant “kabaddi” to prove a single breath is being used throughout the raid. Tagged opponents are out; the tackled raider is out if brought to ground. Eliminated players are revived when their team tags an opponent, creating a live scoring flow throughout the 40-minute match.

India’s Domestic Structure

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), India’s professional kabaddi competition, runs every year and has significantly raised the athleticism, tactical sophistication, and physical preparation of India’s national squad. PKL contracts allow players to train full-time with professional coaches — a major advantage over rival nations where kabaddi remains primarily a village and school sport.

Key Facts

Will 2026 Break the Streak?

Iran has come the closest to beating India, reaching multiple finals. Bangladesh has upset India in non-Asian Games international competitions, including at the Kabaddi World Cup. The women’s final at Hangzhou 2022 was closely contested by South Korea. For the first time in decades, the possibility of India losing kabaddi gold at the Asian Games feels marginally real — though India remains the clear favourite in both events.

Official source: Olympic Council of Asia