Kabaddi Champions League has made a major contribution to India’s men’s kabaddi setup ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi Nagoya, Japan. Nine of the 12 players selected in the Indian squad are understood to have emerged through the KCL ecosystem, highlighting the league’s growing role in developing players for the national team.
The development is an important milestone for grassroots kabaddi in India. The KCL kabaddi players have progressed from regional competition to the international stage, creating a clear pathway for young athletes looking to represent the country.
KCL Players Make India Squad
The India kabaddi KCL players selected for the Asian Games include several established names. Sunil Malik of Karnal Kings has been picked as a defender, while Sonipat Stars raider Ayan Lohchab is also part of the squad.
Bhiwani Bulls raider Devank Dalal and Hisar Heroes star Ashu Malik provide attacking options. Gurugram Gurus defender Rahul Sethpal, Faridabad Fighters defender Jaideep Dahiya and Panipat Panthers defender and all rounder Ankit Jaglan are also part of the KCL group.
The players have gained valuable experience through the franchise based Haryana competition, where they have faced high intensity matches and competed alongside and against some of the country’s promising kabaddi talent.
Players Proud of Their KCL Journey
The selected Kabaddi Champions League players have spoken about the importance of their journey and the opportunity to represent India.
Ashu Malik described wearing the India jersey as an emotion that is difficult to express and said he was thankful for the opportunities that helped shape his career. He also promised to give his best for the country.
Ayan Lohchab called his selection for the Asian Games a dream come true. He credited KCL with providing him an important platform to develop as a player and said he wanted to make both India and KCL proud.
Sunil Malik also highlighted the role played by KCL in his development. He said representing India was the biggest honour of his life and that his experience in the league had given him confidence ahead of the international challenge.
Devank Dalal echoed those emotions, describing the Asian Games opportunity as a special moment for him and his family. The Bhiwani Bulls player said he would give everything on the mat in an effort to bring glory to India.
Balwan Singh Leads India
The KCL connection extends beyond the players. Dronacharya Award winner Balwan Singh, Chairman of the Kabaddi Champions League, is serving as India’s head coach at the Asian Games.
His involvement provides an element of continuity between the KCL system and the national team. Players who have worked within the KCL talent identification and development structure are already familiar with his approach and tactical ideas.
This could help create greater understanding within the squad as India prepares for the continental competition.
KCL Creates Grassroots to International Pathway
The rise of these players shows how a franchise based tournament can provide a bridge between grassroots and international kabaddi. Instead of relying only on traditional district and state competitions, young players can use leagues such as KCL to gain exposure to stronger opposition and more competitive environments.
The India Asian Games kabaddi squad therefore represents more than India’s attempt to defend its continental title. It also demonstrates the growing importance of structured domestic competitions in producing international players.
With nine of the 12 players coming through the KCL ecosystem, the league has established itself as an important talent pipeline. Their performances in Aichi Nagoya could further strengthen that connection and inspire the next generation of Indian kabaddi players to use domestic competition as a pathway towards the national team.
