Three best defenders of Indian men's kabaddi team for Asian Games 2026
Team India has six stalwart defenders to pick from in their twelve-man squad
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The Asian Games 2026 are set to unfold in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, with the Kabaddi event taking center stage from September 21 to 26 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium. This marks the third time Japan has hosted the continental spectacle, and expectations are sky-high for India, the defending champions.
India’s Men’s Kabaddi team enters the tournament as the most successful side in Asian Games history, having secured gold in eight of the nine editions contested so far. Their only blemish came in 2018 when Iran stunned the world, but India reclaimed their throne at the 2022 Hangzhou Games and now aim to assert their dominance once again.
With the legendary Balwan Singh returning as head coach after a decade-long hiatus, alongside the tactically astute BC Ramesh as his deputy, the team is in experienced hands. The coaching duo combines Singh’s record-setting repertoire, as evinced through his 14 gold medals during his previous tenure, with Ramesh’s modern PKL-winning strategies, creating a formidable backroom staff.
However, the path to glory might not be as easy as it seems. Iran, the 2018 champions, along with resurgent South Korea, are poised to test India’s resolve. The tournament’s compact schedule of six matches in as many days will demand peak fitness and mental fortitude.
At the heart of India’s campaign lies its defensive unit – a wall of experience, youth, and tactical intelligence. Anchored by the indomitable captain Sunil Kumar and featuring a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, the defense could very well be India’s trump card. Let’s now turn our attention to the three best defenders who will be crucial to India’s gold medal pursuit.
Sunil Kumar
Sunil Kumar became the player with the most victories in the league after the 2024 season, surpassing legends like Fazel Atrachali. He has been pivotal for teams such as Jaipur Pink Panthers and U Mumba in particular.
Now tasked with captaining the side, Sunil’s leadership skills will be put to the test in a dressing room filled with captains from various Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) teams. Beyond his leadership, his individual statistics are remarkable.
He ranks third in all-time tackle points with 442 and third in successful tackles with 407, behind only the legendary Fazel Atrachali and Surjeet Singh. Beyond sheer volume, he is a master of the high-stakes tackle, sitting fourth in all-time Super Tackles with 35.
His defensive record, combined with his tactical brain and ability to marshal his teammates, makes him the cornerstone of India’s defense.
Also Read: Full squads of all men’s kabaddi teams for Asian Games 2026
Sumit Sangwan
Sumit Sangwan, the left corner defender, has been a consistent anchor for the UP Yoddhas since his debut in PKL Season 7, where he won the New Young Player of the Season award.
He quickly established himself as a premier defender, ranking second on the defenders’ leaderboard in his rookie season with 77 tackle points. He is tied for third in all-time High 5s with 29, alongside Nitesh Kumar, proving his knack for producing match-defining performances.
His longevity and average performances in matches are exceptional. Averaging nearly 2.86 tackle points per match with a 47% success rate, his reliability in the left corner and his ability to consistently deliver have made him a mainstay in the national team setup.
Jaideep Dahiya
Jaideep Kuldeep Dahiya, at the young age of 24, represents the new generation of aggressive defenders, with a staggering 13 super tackles executed in PKL Season 12. In tight matches against Asian opponents, such a skill can single-handedly shift momentum.
He also led the league in High 5s with 7, demonstrating his ability to produce match-defining performances consistently. His 68 tackle points placed him second overall, while also recording a commendable 55 successful tackles.
As the captain of the Haryana Steelers, he led them to their maiden PKL title in Season 11, and provides a shining example to numerous youngsters across the country about how they too can make it to the Indian team at such a young age.
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