Fazel Atrachali named captain as Iran unveil men's kabaddi squad for Asian Games 2026

On August 10, 2026, Iran announced its men's kabaddi squad for the 2026 Asian Games and named Fazel Atrachali as captain.

The Asian Games are scheduled to run from September 19 to October 4, with the kabaddi competition set within that window. Teams have already begun preparations and conducted several national coaching camps ahead of the tournament.

India have dominated kabaddi at the Asian Games historically, with Iran interrupting that run only in 2018; Iran defeated India 27–18 in the semi-final and then beat South Korea 26–16 to claim gold. Iran remain a principal rival to India at the Games, and the two countries have met in three Asian Games finals, with India winning all three by the account provided.

There will be changes in Iran’s setup for 2026, including the appointment of head coach Navvab Tazehghale in place of Gholamreza Mazandarani. The Iranian team enters the competition aiming to secure a second Asian Games gold medal.

The squad named reads: Fazel Atrachali (C), Md. Reza Shadloui, Reza Mirbagheri, Alireza Mirzaeian, Amir Md. Zafardanesh, Md. E. Nabibakhsh, Ali Samadi, Amir H. Bastami, Amir H. Ejlali, Heider Ekrami, Omid Khojasteh, and Ali Eyvozi.

Reza Mirbagheri, who represents the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the PKL, is listed at left cover, while Mohammad Reza Shadloui is described as an excellent all-rounder. The selected raiders include Amir Md. Zafardanesh, Ali Samadi, Heider Ekrami and Alireza Mirzaeian, with Mohammad Nabibakhsh named as another all-rounder. Amir H. Bastami and Amir H. Ejlali occupy the right-corner roles and the right-cover position will be rotated between Omid Khojasteh and Ali Eyvozi.

Fazel Atrachali, who led the Iranian team to victory at the 2018 Asian Games, will continue as the team’s captain for the 2026 Asian Games.

The kabaddi event at the 2026 Asian Games is scheduled to be held from September 21 to 26, during which Iran’s announced squad will compete.