India's coaching staff for Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 announced

India will field a new team at the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026.

The Indian men’s kabaddi team are gearing up for another challenge. They will participate in the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026, running from October 21 to 31.

A total of 14 countries are expected to participate in this tournament. This is another significant step for kabaddi, as the tournament’s success could help shape the sport’s future at the Commonwealth Games.

The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) has announced a list of 17 probable players for the practice camp. The final squad will be selected from this very list. Interestingly, not a single player from India’s gold medal-winning team was selected for this tournament.

Now, India’s coaching staff has also been announced ahead of the tournament. Without further ado, let’s look at India’s coaching staff for the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026.

Indian men’s kabaddi team coaching staff for Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026

Head Coach – J. Udaya Kumar

J. Udaya Kumar has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian men’s kabaddi team for the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026.

He is one of the most successful coaches in Indian kabaddi history, having guided the team to World Cup glory in 2004 and 2007. He also coached the Indian team at the 2002, 2006 and 2014 Asian Games, where India won gold.

Udaya Kumar has also coached the Tamil Thalaivas in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). With his extensive knowledge of the sport and an impressive record with the Indian team, he will aim to guide the side to another title at the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship.

Assistant Coach – Manjeet Chhillar

Manjeet Chhillar, the legendary Indian all-rounder who inspired a generation of kabaddi players, will now be coaching the Indian team at the international level.

Chhillar enjoyed a remarkable playing career, winning gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games and the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup with the Indian team. He will now look to guide the next generation of kabaddi stars from the sidelines.

Manjeet has already gained coaching experience in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), where he served as the assistant coach of Telugu Titans. This time he will work with some of the country’s best kabaddi players.

Assistant Coach – Rohit Kumar

Another former Indian player making his coaching debut is Rohit Kumar. He was regarded as one of the best raiders during his playing days and led Bengaluru Bulls to the title in Pro Kabaddi League Season 6. He also represented India at the 2018 Asian Games, where the team won bronze.

Although his career with the Indian national team was relatively short, Rohit is now returning to the national setup as a coach. He will aim to use his experience and understanding of the game to help India clinch the title at the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026.

Fans who have seen him dominate opposing defenders on the mat will be eager to see him take on this new responsibility.

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