Pawan Sehrawat says India’s men’s kabaddi team is aiming for gold at Asian Games 2026

Pawan Sehrawat spoke at the SAI sports training centre in Gandhinagar as India prepared for the Asian Games 2026, saying the men’s kabaddi squad is targeting the gold medal and that wearing the national jersey carries pride and responsibility. He reiterated the team’s aim ahead of the tournament that begins later this month.

India’s men’s and women’s kabaddi sides have won a combined total of 11 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze at the Asian Games, and the current 12-member men’s squad completed a preparation camp at the SAI sports training centre, Gandhinagar from September 5-15. The camp formed part of the build-up to the Games and involved the unit selected to represent the country.

Reflecting on the chance to represent India at a multi-sport event, Sehrawat said, “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 and it should go in the right direction as we get the extreme best for India.”

Sehrawat, who holds the record for scoring 39 raid points in a Pro Kabaddi League match — most by any person in the league — stated that expectations of gold act as motivation rather than 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 gold medal and it is a matter of pride. That expectation gets converted into motivation and makes it easier to play,” he added.

On squad cohesion, Sehrawat emphasised trust built during preparations and the collective focus on the podium. “The team is very confident. We have practised a lot together. All 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,” said Sehrawat.

Sunil Kumar will lead the Indian men’s team at the Asian Games 2026, where the kabaddi competition is scheduled to run from September 21 to September 26, with the final on September 26.