Indian women's kabaddi team announced for Asian Games 2026; Sakshi Sharma dropped

India will look to defend their gold at the 2026 Asian Games.

The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) announced a 12-member women’s squad for the Asian Games 2026. The Kabaddi events at the Asian Games are scheduled to take place from September 21 to 26.

The Indian women’s kabaddi team won the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, and they will aim to repeat this success at the upcoming continental event in Japan next month.

Experienced squad blended with youth

Experienced Ritu Negi will take charge of the team and lead its defence. Her deputy, Pushpa Rana, will once again be as solid as a rock. Her performance in the 2022 Asian Games finals fetched the gold for Team India.

Pooja Kajla, who was recently honoured with the Arjuna Award, will also be a force to reckon with in the raiding department. The squad consists of 6 defenders and 4 raiders, with a couple of all-rounders to bring the much-needed balance.

Manisha Kumari, in the left corner, will bring her expertise to pin down the opposition raiders with her ankle holds and could be one of the corners in the starting lineup, with the other corner being the skipper, Ritu Negi.

Sonali Shingate, who missed out on the Asian Games in Hangzhou due to an injury, will look to make amends this year.

The likes of Pinki Roy and Ritu Sheoran will bring their youth into the team, while the experienced Jyoti Thakur will bring her all-round skills, which could be key to India’s chances in the quadrennial event.

Sanju Devi will look to continue her impressive form from 2025. Last year, she won the Most Valuable Player award at the Women’s World Cup for an impressive performance in the final.

Moreover, her contributions helped India win the Asian Kabaddi Championships in Iran, and she will look to win one more gold in Japan.

Karthika and Sakshi miss out

Some surprising names were also left out; for instance, Tamil Nadu’s 17-year-old young gun, Karthika, failed to secure a ticket to Japan.

Fondly called the ‘Karthika Express’ for her speed, she was in the news recently amidst some controversies. Sakshi Sharma was also not included, and no valid reason was given for leaving them out.

India will be favourites for the tournament, which will see eight teams being split into two groups of four each. The top two teams from each group will make it to the semis.

Here’s the Indian women’s kabaddi team for the Asian Games 2026

Ritu Negi, Pushpa Rana, Sonali Shingate, Sanju Devi, Pooja Kajla, Ritu Sheoran, Jyoti Thakur, Pinki Roy, Manisha Kumari, Bhavna Thakur, Rajrani, Nikita Kumari.

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