Sunil Kumar named captain of India men’s kabaddi squad for Asian Games 2026

Sunil Kumar has been named captain of the Indian men’s kabaddi team for the 2026 Asian Games at the Tōkai Citizens Gymnasium in Tōkai, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, which run from September 21 to 26. He takes over the captaincy from Pawan Sehrawat.

Kabaddi will feature at the Asian Games for the ninth consecutive edition and, alongside the Kabaddi World Cup, remains one of the sport’s most important events. India have won the Asian Games gold medal eight times while Iran have one title. The Indian 12-player squad announced for 2026 includes Pawan Sehrawat, Sunil Kumar, Ashu Malik and Devank Dalal among others, comprising four raiders, two all-rounders and six defenders.

Pawan Sehrawat led the Indian men’s team at the 2022 Asian Games and, under his captaincy, the team won the gold medal. He is included in the 2026 squad but will not serve as captain for this edition. The selection list confirms Pawan’s continued presence in the team despite the change in leadership.

Sunil Kumar has captained three different Pro Kabaddi League franchises and has won one PKL trophy as captain. He was named India’s captain for the 2023 Asian Kabaddi Championship but, due to visa-related issues, arrived late; Pawan captained the team in his absence and later continued as captain for the Asian Games.

India will seek to defend their gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 with Sunil leading the 12-player squad.