PKL team-wise representation in Indian men's kabaddi team for Asian Games 2026
12 players from 8 PKL teams will represent India at the Asian Games 2026.
The Indian men’s kabaddi team for the Asian Games 2026 has been announced. After several coaching camps, 12 best players have been finalised to represent the country at the event.
They will be travelling to Japan, and the kabaddi event will commence on September 21, with the final being played on September 26. The players selected for the Indian men’s kabaddi team include four raiders, two all-rounders and six defenders.
All 12 of these players are among the country’s finest and have delivered outstanding performances for their respective franchises in the Pro Kabaddi League. While some franchises have multiple players in the Indian team, others have minimal or no representation.
On that note, let’s have a look at the PKL team-wise representation in the Indian men’s kabaddi team for the Asian Games 2026.
PKL team-wise representation in Indian men’s kabaddi squad
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1. Dabang Delhi – Ashu Malik
Defending champions Dabang Delhi were the most balanced and destructive side in PKL Season 12. However, only one player from Delhi has made it into the Indian kabaddi squad.
Ashu Malik, the captain of Dabang Delhi, was selected to represent India at the Asian Games after a series of good performances in the PKL and Senior Nationals. He will make his international debut and aim to win a gold medal for the country.
2. Tamil Thalaivas – Pawan Sehrawat and Arjun Deshwal
Tamil Thalaivas were one of the worst-performing teams in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12. However, two of their players have been selected for the Asian Games.
Even though Pawan Sehrawat and Arjun have both been at the centre of several controversies related to the Thalaivas’ team management, they are still among the best raiders in the country.
The supporters of the Thalaivas will back them to perform at the highest level and win the gold medal for the nation once again.
3. U Mumba – Sunil Kumar
Only one player from U Mumba has been selected for the Asian Games, their captain, Sunil Kumar. Sunil has been one of the most successful captains in PKL history, with the most wins as a captain. He will lead the Indian team for the first time and will aim for gold.
4. Patna Pirates – Ayan Lohchab and Ankit Jaglan
The three-time champions Patna Pirates have two representatives at the Asian Games. Star raider Ayan Lohchab, who was also the best raider of PKL 12 after scoring 316 raid points, has been selected for the national team.
Along with him, Pirates captain Ankit Jaglan has also been selected in India’s squad, and both will receive strong support from Pirates supporters, who will be hoping to see them win the gold medal for the nation.
5. Puneri Paltan – Aslam Inamdar and Gaurav Khatri
PKL 12 finalists Puneri Paltan will also have two representatives in India’s squad. Puneri’s captain, Aslam Inamdar, who led them to success in PKL 10 and was also part of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games, will once again represent India at the Asian Games 2026.
Along with him, right-corner defender Gaurav Khatri, who had an impressive season in PKL 12, is also included in the team.
6. Haryana Steelers – Jaideep Dahiya and Rahul Sethpal
PKL 11 champions Haryana Steelers will also have two representatives in the national squad. Their captain and vice-captain, Jaideep Dahiya and Rahul Sethpal, who have been the defensive wall for the franchise over the years, will continue the same job for the Indian team.
The Steelers fans will be eager to watch them make their debut on the international circuit and will be hoping that they deliver the gold medal for the nation.
7. Bengal Warriorz – Devank Dalal
Bengal Warriorz didn’t have quite the season they had hoped for in PKL 12, and another disappointing performance left their fans disheartened.
However, seeing Devank Dalal make his debut for the Indian team will excite them. Devank has been a consistent top performer and has impressed everyone with his raiding over the last two years, making him fully deserving of a place in the Indian team.
8. UP Yoddhas – Sumit Sangwan
UP Yoddhas will have a sole representative in the Indian team for the 2026 Asian Games. Even though they had a poor performance in Season 12, Sumit Sangwan remained one of their top performers.
Sumit has ruled the left-corner position for the franchise for years and has been one of the most consistently performing corners in the country.
His selection for the Indian squad will definitely excite UP fans, and they will hope that he gives his best and helps secure a gold medal.
When will the kabaddi event at the Asian Games 2026 start?
The Kabaddi event at the Asian Games 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 26.
Who is the captain of the Indian men’s kabaddi team for the Asian Games 2026?
Sunil Kumar is the captain of the Indian men’s kabaddi team for the 2026 Asian Games.
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