The Indian women’s Kabaddi team has concluded its final training camp and traveled to Japan ahead of the 2026 Asian Games, marking the end of a months-long preparation period organized by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India.
The team seeks to defend the gold medal it secured at the previous Games in Hangzhou, where India narrowly defeated Chinese Taipei 26-25 in the final. A victory in 2026 would represent India’s fourth successive Kabaddi gold in the women’s category, contributing to an overall tally of 11 gold medals in the sport since its inclusion, according to a press release from the Pro Kabaddi League.
Head coach Neeta Dadwe, a former India captain who played from 1991 to 2003 and has coached the national team for over a decade, including the 2014 Incheon and 2016 Asian Games, detailed the training camp schedule. “This was our fourth and final camp. Before this, we had two camps, one for 15 days and one for a month, and a third camp after that. We started with 42 girls, brought that down as we went, and had a strong mix of seniors and juniors throughout,” she said. On the team’s mindset heading into the tournament, she added, “We don’t want any pressure. We just want to play freely.”
Coach Mamtha Poojari elaborated on the phased training approach, which included a strength and conditioning program organized jointly with Mashal Sports, organizers of the Pro Kabaddi League. “It’s almost a six-month to one-year process. In the first camp, we go completely on fitness, speed, endurance, weight training, and recovery. The next camp shifts to a bit more skill and match play. By the third camp, we’re mostly on the mat. And in the last camp, everything comes together, including studying the opposition’s game on video.”
Player Sonali Shingate, preparing for her third Asian Games after missing the 2023 edition due to injury, reflected on the significance of the event. “I played the Asian Games in 2018, and in 2023 I was in the squad but got injured at the last moment and had to go for surgery and rehab. This is my third chance,” she stated. “Every player’s dream is to play the Asian Games. Kabaddi is such a game that injury can come anytime, so not everyone gets that many chances,” she added.
On team dynamics, Sonali described a settled atmosphere: “The atmosphere is very good. The coaches have taken good care of all the players. The new players who’ve been added are being looked after by the seniors. We felt the same nerves when we made our debut, so it’s the benefit of experience being passed down. No one thinks in terms of individual point totals. We play as a team.”
Regarding their main competition, both coaches identified the same two opponents. “Iran and Chinese Taipei are the teams we’re watching most closely,” Mamtha said. “Iran plays with constant aggression from start to finish, no matter the scoreline. Chinese Taipei is calmer, more skill-based. We’re training our players to adapt to both styles.” Neeta added that Bangladesh, Japan and South Korea also form a competitive group, with the team having analyzed video of all these opponents.
Both coaches highlighted emerging talent, focusing on Nikita, who captained the previous junior India U-18 team. “If she stays focused on her game and her fitness, her future is very good,” said Mamtha. Neeta added, “She has power, she’s a left winger, and not many people know much about her yet, but she’ll be useful for us.”
Both coaches regard the development of a women’s professional Kabaddi league as key to the sport’s future growth. Sonali stated, “When the league comes, every player will get financial support and scientific training, not just skill and fitness. Girls barely have professional teams outside the police services right now. A league changes that completely.” Mamtha agreed, saying, “There are so many talented players across the country who never get a chance. A league gives all of them a platform.”
Sonali concluded with a message to supporters: “Thank you to all the Indian fans for supporting women’s Kabaddi. Keep doing what you are doing — we will give our best.”
The Indian women’s Kabaddi team for the 2026 Asian Games includes: Pushpa Rana (captain), Ritu Negi, Sonali Shingate, Sanju Devi, Pooja Kajla, Ritu Sheoran, Jyoti Thakur, Pinki Roy, Manisha Kumari, Bhavna Thakur, Raj Rani and Nikita Kumari.