Kabaddi at Asian Games 2026: India Squad, Schedule & Teams
Kabaddi is one of India’s most celebrated sports at the Asian Games, and Asian Games 2026 Kabaddi promises to be no different. Both the men’s and women’s Indian kabaddi teams have historically dominated this event, making it a must-watch for Indian fans during ASIAD 2026 in Nagoya, Japan.
This guide covers everything you need to know — the kabaddi schedule at Asian Games 2026, India’s squad, the competing teams, format, and where to watch live.
Kabaddi at Asian Games 2026 — Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Kabaddi — Men’s & Women’s |
| Host city | Nagoya, Aichi, Japan |
| Competition dates | September 2026 (within Sept 10 – Oct 2 window) |
| Format | Round-robin group stage + knockout rounds |
| Medal events | 2 (Men’s gold, Women’s gold) |
| India’s status | Defending champions (Men’s & Women’s) |
| Governing body | Asian Kabaddi Federation |
India’s Kabaddi Dominance at the Asian Games
India has won the men’s kabaddi gold medal at every single Asian Games since the sport was introduced in 1990 at Beijing. That is an unbroken streak of gold medals across nine consecutive editions — a record of dominance unmatched by any country in any team sport at the Asian Games.
The Indian women’s team has been equally dominant since women’s kabaddi was introduced at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, winning gold at every edition since. With that pedigree, both India squads enter Nagoya as overwhelming favourites.
India’s Kabaddi Asian Games Gold Medal History
| Year | Host City | Men’s Result | Women’s Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Beijing | Gold India | — |
| 1994 | Hiroshima | Gold India | — |
| 1998 | Bangkok | Gold India | — |
| 2002 | Busan | Gold India | — |
| 2006 | Doha | Gold India | — |
| 2010 | Guangzhou | Gold India | Gold India |
| 2014 | Incheon | Gold India | Gold India |
| 2018 | Jakarta | Gold India | Gold India |
| 2022 (2023) | Hangzhou | Gold India | Gold India |
| 2026 | Nagoya | TBD | TBD |
Competing Countries — Kabaddi at ASIAD 2026
Kabaddi at the Asian Games typically features 8–12 nations in each of the men’s and women’s draws. The key competing nations are:
Men’s Kabaddi Teams
- India — Overwhelming favourites; nine consecutive gold medals
- Iran — India’s closest rival; silver medalists at Hangzhou 2022
- South Korea — Regular contender; strong tactically
- Bangladesh — Growing kabaddi programme; consistent participant
- Japan — Host nation; improving programme with home advantage
- Pakistan — Competitive side; strong raiding tradition
- Sri Lanka — Regular participant in Asian kabaddi
- Thailand — Southeast Asian powerhouse in kabaddi
Women’s Kabaddi Teams
- India — Dominant force; four consecutive gold medals
- Chinese Taipei — Strong rival; silver/bronze in recent editions
- South Korea — Consistent contender in women’s draws
- Iran — Improving rapidly; regular finalist
- Japan — Home crowd advantage; improving nationally
- Bangladesh — Regular participant; improving women’s programme
India Kabaddi Squad for Asian Games 2026
The Indian kabaddi squad for ASIAD 2026 is selected by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) in coordination with the Indian Olympic Association. Players are typically drawn from the top performers in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season immediately preceding the Games.
India Men’s Kabaddi Team — Key Players to Watch
The Indian men’s team will again be built around a core of experienced Pro Kabaddi League stars. Expect a squad featuring premier raiders, strong cover defenders, and a well-balanced bench. The team’s structure typically relies on high-performing raiders leading the attack, with a defensive unit anchored by tall, athletic corner defenders. Confirmed squad details will be announced by AKFI closer to the competition dates.
India Women’s Kabaddi Team — Key Players to Watch
India’s women’s kabaddi team has been the gold standard of Asian Games kabaddi since 2010. The squad will be drawn from top performers in the women’s kabaddi circuit, with the coaching staff focusing on raiders who can dominate against physically stronger opposition like Chinese Taipei.
Kabaddi Format at Asian Games 2026
The kabaddi tournament at ASIAD 2026 follows a standard multi-round format:
- Group stage: Teams are divided into two groups, playing a round-robin within their group. Points are awarded: 5 for a win, 3 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
- Semi-finals: The top two teams from each group advance to semi-finals (cross-bracket: Group A 1st vs Group B 2nd, and vice versa).
- Bronze medal match: Semi-final losers compete for bronze.
- Gold medal final: The two semi-final winners contest the gold medal match.
Each match consists of two halves of 20 minutes each, with a 5-minute break at half time. The team that scores more points by the end of 40 minutes wins.
Kabaddi Rules — Quick Guide for New Viewers
Kabaddi is a contact sport that originated in South Asia. Here’s how it works at the Asian Games level:
- Two teams of 7 players each compete on a rectangular court (13m x 10m for men, 11m x 8m for women).
- A raider crosses into the opponents’ half, attempts to tag defenders, and must return while holding their breath (chanting “kabaddi” to prove it).
- Defenders form a chain (linking hands) to tackle and stop the raider from returning.
- A touch point is scored when the raider tags a defender and returns safely. Tagged defenders sit out.
- A tackle point is scored when defenders successfully stop the raider from crossing back.
- A super raid is when a raider scores 3+ points in one raid — a game-changing moment.
- A bonus point can be earned by crossing the baulk line when 6 or more defenders are present.
Where to Watch Kabaddi at Asian Games 2026 in India
Indian fans can watch kabaddi at Asian Games 2026 live through the following broadcasters:
- Sony Sports Network — Official broadcast partner for Asian Games in India. Kabaddi matches are expected to be covered on Sony Sports channels.
- SonyLIV — Live streaming of Asian Games including kabaddi matches, available on the SonyLIV app and website.
- DD Sports — Doordarshan’s sports channel may carry select kabaddi matches, especially India fixtures.
For the full broadcast guide including channel numbers and streaming details, see our Sony Sports Asian Games 2026 Channel Guide.
Why Kabaddi Is India’s Best Bet for Gold at Asian Games 2026
Among all sports at ASIAD 2026, kabaddi remains India’s most certain gold medal prospect — both in men’s and women’s. The reasons are clear:
- 35+ years of unbroken dominance — India has never lost the men’s kabaddi gold at an Asian Games.
- World’s strongest professional league — The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) creates a deep pool of elite players, far outpacing any rival nation in terms of competitive depth.
- Coaching and sports science — The national programme has become increasingly professional, with dedicated coaching, data analytics, and sports science support.
- Rivalry with Iran — While Iran has pushed India closest in recent years (silver at Hangzhou 2022), India’s roster depth consistently prevails.
Asian Games 2026 Kabaddi Schedule
The detailed match schedule for kabaddi at ASIAD 2026 will be confirmed by the Nagoya Organising Committee. Competition is expected within the September 10 – October 2, 2026 window, with the gold medal finals likely scheduled in the final week of the Games. Check back here as the official match schedule is released — we update this page as new information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions — Kabaddi at Asian Games 2026
Is kabaddi in Asian Games 2026?
Yes, kabaddi is a medal sport at ASIAD 2026 in Nagoya, Japan. Both men’s and women’s kabaddi events are included in the programme, as has been the case since 2010 for women and 1990 for men.
Has India ever lost kabaddi at the Asian Games?
No. India has won the men’s kabaddi gold medal at every Asian Games since the sport’s introduction in 1990 — nine consecutive gold medals. The Indian women’s team has also won gold at every edition since women’s kabaddi was introduced in 2010.
Who is India’s biggest rival in kabaddi at the Asian Games?
Iran is India’s closest rival in men’s kabaddi. Iran won the silver medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, pushing India hard in the final. South Korea and Chinese Taipei are the key rivals in women’s kabaddi.
Where is kabaddi being played at Asian Games 2026?
The kabaddi venue at ASIAD 2026 is in the Nagoya-Aichi region of Japan. The specific venue will be confirmed by the organising committee closer to competition dates.
How many teams compete in kabaddi at the Asian Games?
Typically 8–12 nations compete in each of the men’s and women’s kabaddi draws at the Asian Games, drawn from OCA member nations across Asia.
Where can I watch India kabaddi at Asian Games 2026?
Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV are the official broadcasters for Asian Games 2026 in India and will carry live kabaddi coverage. DD Sports may also broadcast selected matches.
What is a super raid in kabaddi?
A super raid occurs when a raider scores 3 or more points in a single raid — a high-impact, game-changing play that can swing momentum dramatically in kabaddi at elite level.
Is kabaddi an Olympic sport?
No, kabaddi is not currently an Olympic sport, though there have been ongoing discussions about its inclusion. The Asian Games is the most prestigious international platform for kabaddi competition globally.
About Kabaddi at the Asian Games
Kabaddi made its Asian Games debut as a demonstration sport in 1951 in New Delhi and became a full medal sport in 1990 at the Beijing Asian Games. Its inclusion represents a recognition of one of South Asia’s most ancient and unique sporting traditions — a contact sport that requires explosive speed, tactical intelligence, lung capacity, and physical strength in equal measure.
The sport gained massive global exposure through India’s Pro Kabaddi League, launched in 2014, which brought the game to television audiences across South and Southeast Asia and beyond. The PKL has elevated playing standards across the continent and made Asian Games kabaddi more competitive than at any previous point in the sport’s history.
For more on India’s performance across all sports at ASIAD 2026, visit our India Squad for Asian Games 2026 page and our India at Asian Games 2026 Today daily results hub.
