India to meet Japan in Match 3 of Asian Games 2026 men's kabaddi on September 21

India will play Japan in Match 3 of the men's kabaddi tournament at the Asian Games 2026 at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium on Monday, September 21. The fixture serves as India's opening match in the kabaddi competition.

The kabaddi event at the Asian Games begins on September 21, with five men's and three women's matches scheduled for the opening day. Sunil Kumar is the newly appointed captain of the Indian men's team, replacing Pawan Sehrawat, who has been named vice-captain. At the Asian Games opening ceremony, Pawan Sehrawat was made the flag bearer of the Indian contingent, marking a historic and proud moment for kabaddi. India enter the tournament aiming to defend their Asian Games crown.

Japan will field Abe Tetsuro as captain for their match against India. The report notes Japan may not be among the favourites but will fancy their chances of creating an upset.

Sony Sports Network holds the broadcasting rights for the Asian Games 2026 in India. Matches will be telecast live on Sony Sports 1, Sony Sports 2, and Sony Sports 5, with regional-language coverage on Sony Sports 3 (Hindi) and Sony Sports 4 (Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada). Live streaming of the Asian Games 2026 will be available on Sony LIV.

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Kickoff for India vs Japan is scheduled for 9:45 AM IST at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium on Monday, September 21, as Match 3 of the men's kabaddi event.