AKFI names 12-woman Indian kabaddi squad for Asian Games 2026; Sakshi Sharma omitted

On August 23, 2026 the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) announced a 12-member Indian women’s squad for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, with Sakshi Sharma left out of the selection.

The kabaddi competition at the Asian Games is scheduled to run from September 21 to 26. India, who won the women’s gold at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, are preparing to defend that title at the continental event.

Ritu Negi has been named captain and will lead India’s defence, with Pushpa Rana appointed her deputy; the AKFI described Rana’s showing in the 2022 final as instrumental to India’s gold. The selected squad balance includes six defenders, four raiders and two all-rounders.

Pooja Kajla, a recent Arjuna Award recipient, is expected to bolster India’s raiding options. Manisha Kumari is listed as a left corner option and could occupy one of the corner roles alongside skipper Ritu Negi.

Sonali Shingate returns to contention after missing the Hangzhou Games through injury. Young players Pinki Roy and Ritu Sheoran have been included alongside experienced all-rounder Jyoti Thakur.

Sanju Devi arrives on the back of a strong 2025, having won the Most Valuable Player award at the Women’s World Cup for her final performance and contributed to India’s victory at the Asian Kabaddi Championships in Iran.

Notable omissions include 17-year-old Tamil Nadu raider Karthika, nicknamed the ‘Karthika Express’, and Sakshi Sharma; the AKFI gave no valid reason for leaving them out. The full squad named by the AKFI is: Ritu Negi, Pushpa Rana, Sonali Shingate, Sanju Devi, Pooja Kajla, Ritu Sheoran, Jyoti Thakur, Pinki Roy, Manisha Kumari, Bhavna Thakur, Rajrani and Nikita Kumari.

India will contest the Asian Games kabaddi tournament, which features eight teams split into two groups of four with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals, when the event takes place from September 21 to 26.