The women’s Kabaddi team is ready for the upcoming Asian Games to defend the title. The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India has announced a 12-member women’s kabaddi squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The team will seek to defend the gold medal won at the Hangzhou Games, where India edged Chinese Taipei 26-25 in the final. Experienced defender Ritu Negi has been named captain and will lead the team.
A look at Indian Women's Kabaddi Team for Asian Games 2026
The rest of the team to be named are Ritu Negi, Pushpa Rana, Sonali Shingate, Sanju Devi, Pooja Kajla, Ritu Sheoran, Jyoti Thakur, Pinki Roy, Manisha Kumari, Bhavna Thakur, Rajrani and Nikita Kumari.
Pooja Kajla, a recent Arjuna Award recipient, is expected to play a key role. The side blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talent and features a balanced mix of raiders, defenders and all-rounders.
Kabaddi competition at the Asian Games is scheduled for 21–26 September 2026. India, the most successful nation in the women’s event with three previous gold medals, enter as clear favourites.
The team has been drawn in a group alongside Iran, Japan and Bangladesh. The announcement forms part of India’s larger contingent of 492 athletes for the multi-sport event, which runs from 19 September to 4 October.
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