The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) has officially inaugurated a specialized high-performance strength and conditioning camp at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Bellary. This intensive program is designed to prepare the nation’s premier male and female kabaddi prospects for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games. Running from March 27 through April 2, the initiative prioritizes modern athletic development and physical optimization. It represents a significant stride toward integrating sports science into the training regimens of India’s top-tier athletes.
The training roster features a formidable lineup of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) icons and decorated international women players. These participants will have access to the cutting-edge infrastructure and multidisciplinary support systems available at the world-class IIS facility. By engaging 45 probables from both the men’s and women’s categories, the program aims to elevate the performance standards of a broad segment of the national talent pool rather than just the final traveling squads.
Key highlights of the 2026 preparatory camp include:
- Prominent Men’s Athletes: Participation from league superstars such as Pawan Sehrawat, Naveen Kumar, Arjun Deshwal, and Sunil Kumar.
- Elite Women’s Contingent: Presence of World Cup-winning captain Ritu Negi alongside stalwarts like Sonali Vishnu Shingate and Pushpa Rana.
- Specialized Infrastructure: Access to the IIS multidisciplinary ecosystem, which is uniquely tailored to handle the high-impact demands of contact sports.
- Strategic Partnership: A collaborative effort between the AKFI and Mashal Sports to professionalize the sport’s high-performance environment.
Vibhor Vineet Jain, President of the AKFI, stated, “This initiative is an important step in our preparations as we continue to raise the standard of kabaddi in India. By collaborating with Mashal Sports, we are ensuring that our players benefit from modern training methodologies, scientific support systems, and a professional high-performance environment that is essential for success at the international level.” This sentiment was echoed by PKL League Commissioner Anupam Goswami, who noted that the camp’s influence would extend to many athletes beyond those eventually selected for the final team.
Ultimately, the camp seeks to build a sustainable pipeline of elite talent capable of thriving in the rigorous environment of international competition. By focusing on long-term wellness and holistic growth, the organizers are ensuring that the athletes are physically and mentally prepared for the challenges in Japan later this year. This scientific approach marks a new chapter in how traditional Indian sports are managed at the highest levels of performance.
