Why didn't Pawan Sehrawat & Aslam Inamdar start against Japan at Asian Games 2026?
Indian men’s kabaddi team faced Japan in their opening match at the Asian Games 2026.
The Asian Games 2026 is currently underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The kabaddi event has also started and is providing non-stop entertainment to the fans.
In the first match of the tournament, Bangladesh defeated the Republic of Korea in a thriller to start their campaign. The 2018 Asian Games silver medallists didn’t have the start they hoped for, while in the second game, Thailand shocked everyone by defeating Nepal by a good margin.
India featured in the third match of the day and, by far, the most-watched game. Supporters and fans of the Indian men’s kabaddi team were hoping that the team would start the tournament with a one-sided victory.
However, before the start, it was revealed that the team’s vice-captain, Pawan Sehrawat, and experienced all-rounder Aslam Inamdar were not included in the starting 7. Both players played a major role in the team’s success when they won the gold medal at Hangzhou 2022.
On that note, here’s the reason why neither of them started the match against Japan.
Why were Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar left out of India’s starting 7?
The main reason behind Pawan and Aslam’s exclusion from the starting 7 could be their form. Both players are seniors and have played a major role in India’s success when they won the gold medal in the last edition of the Asian Games.
However, ever since then, their form has regressed in the Pro Kabaddi League and other domestic tournaments. Many other young players have emerged, including Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab.
Another reason could be that the tournament has just begun, and they have been rested to give other young players a chance.
Pawan and Aslam can prove crucial for the team even as substitutes or later in the tournament. Even if they are not in their best form, they can still wreak havoc on the opposition’s defence and prove valuable to the team through their game intelligence.
The team management is trying to save them from possible injuries at the start of the tournament so that they can be useful during crucial games.
Which two experienced players were left out of the Indian men’s kabaddi team starting 7 against Japan?
Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar were left out of India’s starting seven against Japan.
Who is the captain of the Indian men’s kabaddi team at the Asian Games 2026?
Sunil Kumar is the captain at the Asian Games 2026.
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