Four kabaddi players from South Central Railway have earned selection to represent India at the 20th Asian Games 2026 in Aichi Nagoya, Japan. The selection is a major achievement for the athletes and highlights the important role Indian Railways continues to play in developing sporting talent in the country.
The four SCR kabaddi players include two women and two men. They will be part of India’s 12-member national squads for the kabaddi competition, which will take place from September 21 to 26 at the Tōkai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture.
Ritu Negi and Pinky Roy Make Women’s Squad
Ritu Negi is one of the most experienced names among the selected players. She works as an Office Superintendent at the Electric Loco Shed in Lallaguda and has already represented India at the highest level.
Negi was part of India’s gold medal winning women’s kabaddi team at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Her experience and defensive ability will be valuable as India look to defend their continental title.
Pinky Roy is the second SCR representative in the women’s squad. She works as a Senior Technician at the CWM Office in Signal and Telecom at Mettuguda.
Roy has been a consistent performer for Indian Railways in domestic competitions and has earned her place through her defensive skills and regular performances.
Ayan Lohchab Adds Raiding Firepower
Ayan Lohchab will represent India in the men’s competition. The dynamic raider works as a Commercial cum Ticket Clerk at the DCM Office in Secunderabad.
Lohchab earned his senior national call-up after producing impressive performances in domestic kabaddi. His ability to score raid points and create pressure on opposition defences could make him an important option for the Indian team.
His selection also underlines the pathway from domestic competitions to the international stage.
Sumit Sangwan Strengthens Defence
Sumit Sangwan is the fourth SCR player selected for the India kabaddi squad Asian Games 2026. Like Lohchab, he works as a Commercial-cum-Ticket Clerk at the DCM Office in Secunderabad.
Sangwan is an agile corner defender who provides additional depth to India’s men’s defence. His ability to react quickly and make successful tackles will be important in a tournament where small mistakes can decide matches.
India Enter as Defending Champions
India will enter Asian Games 2026 kabaddi competitions as defending champions in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The Indian men’s team won gold in Hangzhou after defeating Iran 33-29 in the final, while the women’s team also secured the top prize. The teams will now attempt to continue India’s strong record in Asian Games kabaddi.
The presence of four players from South Central Railway makes the selection even more significant for the Indian Railways sporting system.
Railways Continue to Support Kabaddi
The selection of four Indian Railways kabaddi players highlights the organization’s long standing contribution to Indian sport. Railways has provided athletes with employment and opportunities to compete at the highest domestic and international levels.
South Central Railway General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava congratulated the selected players, with the achievement reflecting the zone’s focus on developing elite sporting talent.
For Ritu Negi, Pinky Roy, Ayan Lohchab and Sumit Sangwan, the next target will be helping India defend its Asian Games titles. Their selection is also a strong reminder of the depth of talent being developed through the Indian Railways sporting system.
