India’s men’s kabaddi team is ready for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, but head coach Balwan Singh has warned his players against complacency. The veteran coach believes every opponent deserves respect as India prepares to defend its gold medal in Japan.
For the India kabaddi team, Asian Games campaign begins on September 21, with 10 teams competing across two groups. India will enter the tournament with the target of winning a record ninth men’s Asian Games gold medal, but Balwan believes strong preparation and discipline will be essential to achieving that goal.
Balwan Singh Says India Are Ready
Balwan Singh’s India kabaddi coach era has entered another important chapter with the veteran tactician returning to lead the national team at an Asian Games after a decade. He has already guided India to three consecutive Asian Games gold medals at Doha 2006, Guangzhou 2010 and Incheon 2014.
Balwan said the team’s preparations are complete after several training camps in India. The squad trained in Bengaluru before moving to the Inspire Institute of Sport in Ballari and then completing its final camp ahead of the journey to Japan.
According to Balwan, the tournament format leaves little room for mistakes. India will have to win four group matches before potentially playing a semi-final and the gold medal match. This means six victories would be required to finish with the title.
India Kabaddi Coach Warns Against Complacency
The India kabaddi coach Asian Games 2026 has placed particular emphasis on respecting every opponent. Balwan believes the standard of international kabaddi has improved across Asia and that no team should be considered weak before a match begins.
He stressed that hard work and practice are what make a team strong. His message to the players is clear: India must focus on its own preparation instead of assuming that its past success will guarantee another gold medal.
This approach will be especially important because India’s squad contains eight Asian Games debutants. Captain Sunil Kumar and deputy Pawan Sehrawat will provide experience as the team attempts to combine established players with a new generation.
Balwan Singh Latest News and Tournament Roadmap
Balwan Singh’s latest news focus on India preparing to travel to Japan for the men’s kabaddi competition. Balwan will work alongside assistant coach B.C. Ramesh as the coaching team looks to maintain India’s high standards during a period of transition.
The tournament will be held at the Nagoya City Trade & Industry Center from September 21 to 26. The group stage runs from September 21 to 24, with 10 teams divided into two groups of five.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals on September 25. The gold medal match will then take place on September 26.
India Target Ninth Asian Games Gold
India enter the competition as defending champions and will be aiming for their ninth men’s Asian Games gold medal. With Sunil Kumar leading the side and Pawan Sehrawat serving as his deputy, the team has a strong combination of experience and fresh talent.
However, Balwan’s message remains straightforward. Every match must be approached seriously, and India cannot afford to underestimate any opponent if it wants to complete its journey to another Asian Games gold medal.
