India vs Japan Men's Kabaddi LIVE - India lead after first-half: Asian Games 2026

Sunil Kumar will lead the 12-man Indian squad at the Asian Games 2026.

The Asian Games 2026 finally kicked off, and the entertainment level is at its peak. The Kabaddi event at the Asian Games will begin on September 21, with five men’s and three women’s matches scheduled for opening day.

The Indian men’s kabaddi team, aiming to defend their Asian Games crown, will take the court to face Japan in the third match, marking the start of their campaign.

Sunil Kumar is the newly appointed captain of the Indian men’s team and will replace Pawan Sehrawat, who is now the vice-captain. At the recent opening ceremony of the Asian Games, Pawan was made the flag bearer of the Indian contingent, marking a historic and proud moment for kabaddi.

As India prepare to defend the gold medal, they will face challenges, as several other teams are emerging as strong contenders. Japan, captained by Abe Tetsuro, may not be among the favourites, but they will fancy their chances of creating an upset.

India vs Japan: Head-to-head record in Asian Games

• Matches Played: 07

• Japan won: 00

• India won: 07

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