Four women kabaddi players from Himachal Pradesh have earned a place in India’s 12-member squad for the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi Nagoya, Japan. Ritu Negi, Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur and Bhavna Thakur will represent India as the team looks to defend its gold medal in Asian Games women’s kabaddi.
Their selection is a major achievement for Himachal Pradesh and highlights the state’s growing contribution to Indian kabaddi. The squad was finalised after a month-long national preparatory camp in Bengaluru.
Ritu Negi Leads India
Ritu Negi is the most experienced of the four Himachal Pradesh women kabaddi players selected for the Asian Games. The defender from Shillai in Sirmaur has been named captain of the Indian team.
Negi has already played a key role in India’s success at major international tournaments. She led India to gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games and the 2025 Women’s Kabaddi World Cup. She was also part of the Indian team that won silver at the 2018 Asian Games.
Coming from Sharog village in Shillai, Negi developed her game at the Bilaspur Sports Hostel. Her defensive ability and leadership have made her one of India’s most reliable players.
Pushpa Rana Named Vice Captain
Another player from Shillai, Pushpa Rana, has been named vice-captain of the India women kabaddi squad for Asian Games 2026.
Rana is known for her quick bonus point attempts and ability to escape difficult defensive situations. She learned the sport under the guidance of her father and brother before developing into one of Himachal Pradesh’s leading kabaddi players.
She has won an Asian Games gold medal and has also played a major role in Himachal Pradesh’s success at the National Games. The state team won three consecutive National Games gold medals during her career.
Jyoti Thakur’s Inspirational Journey
Jyoti Thakur of Chail in Solan is another important member of the squad. Her journey to the national team has been particularly inspiring.
Thakur reportedly overcame financial difficulties and walked long distances to attend training sessions from a young age. Her determination eventually helped her establish herself in the senior domestic circuit.
She has won gold medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championship and has more than 15 senior national titles to her name. Her latest selection came after an impressive performance during the 45-player national selection trial camp.
Bhavna Thakur Adds Versatility
Mandi’s Bhavna Thakur completes the group of four Himachal players in India’s squad. She has been a consistent contributor in domestic competitions and national camp stages.
Thakur can play as a defender and all-rounder, giving the India women’s kabaddi team another versatile option. Her ability to contribute in different situations could prove valuable during the tournament.
Full India Women’s Kabaddi Squad
The complete squad for the Asian Games 2026 is:
Ritu Negi (c), Pushpa Rana (vc), Jyoti Thakur, Bhavna Thakur, Sanju Devi, Pooja Kajla, Ritu Sheoran, Pinki Roy, Manisha Kumari, Rajrani, Nikita Kumari and Sonali Shingate.
Himachal’s Growing Kabaddi Influence
The selection of four players from one state underlines the strength of Himachal Pradesh’s kabaddi system. From remote villages to national training camps, their journeys demonstrate how domestic competitions and grassroots programmes can produce players capable of competing at the highest level.
With Ritu Negi leading the side and Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur and Bhavna Thakur adding experience and versatility, Himachal Pradesh will have a strong presence when Asian Games women’s kabaddi begins in Aichi Nagoya.
