New Delhi, 19 September (H.S.): The Indian men’s kabaddi team is set to represent the country at the 2026 Asian Games. Team players Aslam Inamdar and debutant Devank Dalal said the squad is determined to bring home the gold medal once again. Devank said that since the team had selected him, he had to deliver.

The Indian men’s team will begin its Asian Games campaign against hosts Japan on September 21. It will then face South Korea on September 22, Bangladesh on September 23 and Chinese Taipei on September 24. The semi-finals will be held on September 25, while the gold-medal match is scheduled for September 26. India has been placed in Group A.

The 2026 Asian Games will mark Devank Dalal’s debut at the continental multi-sport event. Dalal, the second-highest-scoring raider in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 with 271 raid points, said his responsibility had increased following his selection to the Indian team.

In a statement, Devank said, “This is my first Asian Games. I am happy for myself, my family and my coach. I am happy for everyone. Now that I am going, my responsibilities have increased. I have to bring the gold medal for India. If India has selected me, I have to do it.”

The 23-year-old believes that the expectations associated with the Indian team should be viewed as a responsibility rather than pressure.

“You do not need to take pressure. Pressure and responsibility are two different things. There is only responsibility here, not pressure. We do not believe that there is anything like pressure. If you take pressure, you will not be able to play. If you do not play, how will India win? We will play without pressure and win,” he said.

Aslam Inamdar, who was part of India’s gold medal-winning team at the 2022 Asian Games, believes the current squad has developed strong team bonding through playing together in the Pro Kabaddi League and at national camps.

Inamdar said, “There is very good bonding within the team. All of them are our star players. We gained very good experience in the PKL. They performed very well in the PKL. There is good bonding in the Indian team.”

Inamdar also emphasised the role of experienced players in helping the younger members of the squad play with confidence during their first international campaign.

He said young players such as Ayan, Ankit and Rahul have considerable experience of the PKL and national-level competitions, but international matches are somewhat different. Therefore, consistency is very important. They have been advised to play with an open mind, take pride in representing the country and give their all in the pursuit of the gold medal.

India Men’s Kabaddi Team for the 2026 Asian Games:

Sunil Kumar (Captain), Pawan Sehrawat, Ankit Jaglan, Aslam Inamdar, Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, Arjun Deshwal, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri and Sumit Sangwan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar