Pawan Sehrawat: Gold expectations fuel India kabaddi motivation at 2026 Asian Games
Synopsis
Pawan Sehrawat, holder of the all-time Pro Kabaddi League raid-points record, says gold at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is not a pressure point but a rallying force. With India's men holding an unbeaten Asian Games kabaddi record and the squad in camp since 5 September, the stage is set for one of India's most anticipated medal defences.
Key Takeaways
Pawan Sehrawat says gold expectations at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games convert into motivation, not pressure, for the Indian kabaddi team.
India's men's and women's kabaddi teams have collectively won 11 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze at the Asian Games.
The squad has been in camp at the SAI centre in Gandhinagar since 5 September 2026 .
Sehrawat holds the Pro Kabaddi League record for most raid points in a single match — 39 .
The kabaddi competition begins on 21 September , with the final on 26 September .
India's 12-man squad is captained by Sunil Kumar and includes stars such as Arjun Deshwal and Aslam Inamdar .
Indian kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat has said that the expectation of a gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is a source of motivation for the national men's team rather than a burden, as the squad ramps up preparations at Gandhinagar ahead of the continental showpiece. With the kabaddi competition set to begin on 21 September, India enters as the overwhelming favourite to defend its dominant record at the Games.
Sehrawat on Expectations and Team Confidence
The Arjuna Awardee and Pro Kabaddi League record-holder addressed the weight of national expectation directly, framing it as a badge of honour rather than a source of pressure. 'You expect something from someone who deserves it, and you expect gold from Kabaddi. So it's a proud moment for the Kabaddi team. We are seen as a team that will bring a gold medal, and it is a matter of pride. That expectation gets converted into motivation and makes it easier to play,' Sehrawat said.
Sehrawat, who holds the record for the most raid points in a single Pro Kabaddi League match — a staggering 39 in one outing — also reflected on the privilege of representing a nation of more than a billion people. 'I feel very proud to be one of the 12 guys chosen from such a large pool of population to represent the country. 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,' he said.
India's Kabaddi Legacy at the Asian Games
India's record at the Asian Games kabaddi competition is unparalleled. The men's and women's teams have jointly collected 11 gold medals, one silver, and one bronze across all editions. The men's side has never surrendered its gold, making Aichi-Nagoya a mission to sustain an unbeaten legacy rather than merely win a title.
This is not simply a matter of sporting pride — kabaddi's performance at the Asian Games has historically driven domestic league interest and grassroots participation. A gold in Japan would reinforce the sport's standing as one of India's most dependable medal sources.
Camp at Gandhinagar and Squad Cohesion
The Indian men's squad has been in intensive camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centre in Gandhinagar since 5 September. Sehrawat highlighted the bond forged during the camp as a critical competitive edge. '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. 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,' he said.
The Squad India Will Field
The 12-member Indian men's kabaddi squad for the 2026 Asian Games is led by captain Sunil Kumar and includes Pawan Sehrawat, Ankit Jaglan, Aslam Inamdar, Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, Arjun Deshwal, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, and Sumit Sangwan.
What to Watch
The kabaddi competition at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games gets underway on 21 September, with the final slated for 26 September. India's campaign will be closely watched both as a title defence and as a measure of whether the squad's pre-tournament unity can be translated into gold-medal execution on the mat.
Point of View
But history shows that complacency has occasionally crept into Indian kabaddi at multi-sport events. The real test at Aichi-Nagoya will be how the side handles the inevitable defensive evolution that rivals have been studying against India's raiding depth. With the Pro Kabaddi ecosystem sharpening opposition awareness of Indian tactics, gold in Japan requires more than confidence — it requires adaptability.
NationPress
15 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Pawan Sehrawat say about India's gold medal expectations at the 2026 Asian Games?
Sehrawat said the expectation of a gold medal is a source of pride and motivation rather than pressure. He noted that expectations are placed on those who deserve them, and that the team channels that belief into a drive to perform.
When does the kabaddi competition begin at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games?
The kabaddi competition at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games is scheduled to begin on 21 September, with the final set for 26 September.
What is India's kabaddi record at the Asian Games?
India's men's and women's kabaddi teams have collectively won 11 gold medals, one silver, and one bronze at the Asian Games, making India the sport's most decorated nation at the continental level.
Who is in India's men's kabaddi squad for the 2026 Asian Games?
The 12-member squad is captained by Sunil Kumar and includes Pawan Sehrawat, Ankit Jaglan, Aslam Inamdar, Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, Arjun Deshwal, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, and Sumit Sangwan.
Where is India's kabaddi team preparing for the 2026 Asian Games?
The Indian men's kabaddi team has been training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) training centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, since 5 September 2026.
