The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India has announced a revamped 12-member men’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The selection has brought several major surprises, with only four players from India’s gold-medal-winning team at the Hangzhou Asian Games retaining their places.
Sunil Kumar, Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal and Aslam Inamdar are the only four players from the previous gold-medal-winning squad to make the cut. The selectors have instead focused heavily on recent domestic performances and Pro Kabaddi League form.
Here are 10 major players dropped from India kabaddi team ahead of the Asian Games.
1. Naveen Kumar
Naveen Kumar is one of the biggest names missing from the India kabaddi squad Asian Games 2026. The right raider is a former Asian Games gold medalist and Pro Kabaddi League MVP. Recent injury problems and the emergence of younger raiders contributed to his omission.
2. Surjeet Singh
Veteran defender Surjeet Singh has also been left out. The Arjuna Awardee and former national team regular brings significant experience, but the selectors have opted for younger defensive options, including Jaideep Dahiya.
3. Sachin Tanwar
Sachin Tanwar’s omission is another major talking point. The right raider has represented India and is an Asian Games gold medalist, while also becoming one of the most prominent players in the PKL. However, Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal were preferred after their strong recent performances.
4. Parvesh Bhainswal
Parvesh Bhainswal, another member of India’s gold medal winning squad, has failed to make the final team. A decline in defensive consistency over recent seasons appears to have worked against the experienced left cover.
5. Nitesh Kumar
Nitesh Kumar has been a regular presence in India’s defensive setup in the past. However, the right corner was not selected this time, with Gaurav Khatri and Rahul Sethpal preferred for the position.
6. Yogesh Dahiya
Yogesh Dahiya emerged as one of the exciting right corner defenders in the PKL and even won the Best Emerging Player award. Despite his impressive performances, competition for places in the defensive department proved too strong.
7. Shubham Shinde
Shubham Shinde has also missed out despite being one of the leading defensive performers in the PKL. His ability to lead franchise defences made him a strong candidate, but squad balance ultimately worked against him.
8. Bharat Hooda
Powerful raider and all-rounder Bharat Hooda was another notable omission. He had featured prominently in previous national camps but could not secure a place in a squad packed with multi point attacking options.
9. Pankaj Mohite
Pankaj Mohite’s omission will also surprise many fans. The domestic performer was part of India’s Asian Games gold medal winning squad but has now lost his place to players such as Ashu Malik and Arjun Deshwal.
10. Aditya Shinde
Aditya Shinde has impressed as a developing all-rounder but was not included in the final squad. With Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar selected in the all-rounder category, there was limited room for another player in the same role.
India’s New Look Squad
India’s final squad includes raiders Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal and Arjun Deshwal. Sunil Kumar will captain a defensive unit featuring Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, Sumit Sangwan and Ankit Jaglan.
Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar complete the squad as all-rounders. The major changes show that the selectors are willing to move away from established names and reward recent form.
With India aiming to defend their Asian Games title, the decision to leave out so many experienced players will be closely watched. The revamped squad now has the difficult task of proving that the selectors’ faith in the new generation was justified.
