Star raider Ashu Malik expressed his pride after earning a place in India’s 12-member men’s kabaddi squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The selection marks an important milestone in the career of the young raider, who is now set to represent India at one of the biggest sporting events in Asia.
Speaking about his selection, Ashu Malik the kabaddi star stated: “Wearing the India jersey is an emotion that cannot be expressed in words.” He also thanked the people and opportunities that had helped shape his journey and promised to give his 100 per cent for the national team.
The kabaddi competition at the Asian Games will take place from September 21 to 26 at the Tōkai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture.
Ashu Malik Gets His Big Opportunity
The selection is another major step forward for Ashu Malik, who has established himself as an exciting raider through his performances in domestic kabaddi.
Malik represented Hisar Heroes in the Kabaddi Champions League ecosystem, which has played an important role in developing India’s next generation of players. Nine of the 12 players selected for the Asian Games squad have come through the KCL system.
His inclusion also reflects the changing face of the India kabaddi team. Eight players in the 12-member squad will make their Asian Games debut, showing that the national side is moving towards a new generation while retaining some experienced names.
A New Look India Squad
Ashu Malik will lead the raiding options alongside Devank Dalal, Ayan Lohchab and Arjun Deshwal. The group offers a combination of pace, power and attacking variety.
Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar provide experience and all-round ability, while Sunil Kumar will be one of the experienced defensive leaders.
The defence also includes Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, Sumit Sangwan and Ankit Jaglan.
With several new faces in the squad, Ashu’s ability to handle pressure could be particularly important. His performances will be closely watched as he takes on some of the strongest teams in Asian kabaddi.
India Aim to Defend Gold
India will enter the tournament as defending champions. The men’s team won the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou after defeating Iran 33-29 in the final.
The challenge will be to maintain that dominance with a significantly revamped squad. Dronacharya Awardee Balwan Singh will take charge as head coach and will be responsible for bringing together the experienced players and debutants.
For Ashu Malik Asian Games 2026 represents an opportunity to make his mark on the international stage.
An Emotional Moment for Malik
For any kabaddi player, wearing the India jersey represents the highest level of achievement. For Malik, the opportunity has an added significance after his rise through the domestic system.
His words capture the emotion surrounding his selection. Now, the focus will shift from earning the jersey to performing in it.
As part of the Ashu Malik India kabaddi team setup, the raider will hope to repay the faith shown in him and help India retain its Asian Games crown.
The tournament will provide Malik with his biggest international test yet. If he can translate his domestic form onto the Asian Games stage, he could become one of the most important players in India’s new generation.
