For the Indian kabaddi teams, the Asian Games 2026 will come with an expectation that few of the country’s other contingents have to carry: gold.

India will arrive in Aichi-Nagoya as defending champions in both the men’s and women’s competitions, having completed a golden double at the previous Asian Games at Hangzhou 2023.

For star raider Pawan Sehrawat, however, the expectation of winning another title is a reflection of the standards Indian kabaddi has established rather than an additional burden.

“You expect something from someone who deserves it, and you expect gold from kabaddi,” Sehrawat said ahead of the Asian Games.

“So it’s a proud moment for the kabaddi team. We are seen as a team that will bring gold medal and it is a matter of pride. That expectation gets converted into motivation and makes it easier to play.”

India have won 11 gold medals across the men’s and women’s competitions at the Asian Games kabaddi tournaments and will once again start among the favourites in Japan.

The men’s and women’s 12-member squads completed their final preparatory camp in Gandhinagar this month. Sunil Kumar will captain the men’s team under head coach Balwan Singh, while Pushpa Rana leads the women’s side coached by Neeta Dadwe.

While India remain the traditional powerhouse of Asian kabaddi, the players expect a tougher challenge this time around.

Sunil believes the international game has become increasingly competitive as teams place greater emphasis on speed and tactics.

“Kabaddi has evolved significantly. The game is becoming faster and more tactical, and the competition at the international level is increasing,” Sunil said.

“We are prepared for the challenge and will give our best at the Asian Games.”

Pushpa believes India’s growing league culture has played a part in raising standards beyond the country, with overseas players and coaches gaining experience in India before taking those lessons back home.

“The league culture in our country is not only helping develop our own team and our players, but is also strengthening kabaddi in other countries,” Pushpa said.

“Players and coaches from different countries are getting exposure through our leagues and taking that experience back to their respective countries. This is helping the standard of the sport grow internationally.”

Against that changing landscape, India have put together an extensive preparation programme.

The women’s team underwent a 15-day camp in May, followed by month-long camps in June at Ballari before completing their preparations in Gandhinagar.

“We are very well prepared,” Dadwe said. “We had a 15-day training camp in May, followed by a month-long camp in June, then another month-long camp at JSW Ballari and finally the camp here at SAI, Gandhinagar. We are looking forward to the Games.”

The men’s squad has also spent considerable time together in the build-up, something Pawan Sehrawat believes has helped develop trust within the group.

“The team is very confident. We have practised a lot together. All the 12 players who have been selected make a great combination. We trust each other,” Sehrawat said.

“The most important thing is that we are here for one thing, and that is gold. Gold makes us all one, and this is what a team should be.”

For Pawan Sehrawat, representing India also carries a responsibility beyond the medal itself.

“I feel very proud to be one of the 12 guys chosen from such a large pool of population to represent the country,” he said.

“When I wear the jersey of India, I feel that I have a responsibility, as we are carrying the weight of the whole country out there.”

India’s women won a dramatic 26-25 final against Chinese Taipei to take gold at the previous Asian Games, while the men’s team defeated Iran to reclaim the title.

The kabaddi competition at the Asian Games 2026 is scheduled to run from September 21 to 26.