The men’s kabaddi tournament at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will feature 10 nations competing for the gold medal. The competition will take place from September 21 to 26, with the participating teams divided into two groups of five for the preliminary round.
Asian Games 2026 kabaddi squads include established stars, experienced international players and several emerging talents. India and Iran are the top two seeded teams and have been placed on opposite sides of the draw, while Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Nepal complete the field.
India Kabaddi Squad
India will be led by captain Sunil Kumar, with Pawan Sehrawat serving as vice-captain. The raiding group includes Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal and Arjun Deshwal, while Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, Sumit Sangwan and Ankit Jaglan form the defensive options.
Aslam Inamdar and Pawan Sehrawat are listed among the all-rounders. Balwan Singh is the head coach, with B.C. Ramesh serving as assistant coach.
Iran Kabaddi Squad
Iran will be captained by Fazel Atrachali. The squad includes Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, Reza Mirbagheri, Alireza Mirzaeian, Amir Mohammad Zafardanesh, Mohammad Esmail Nabibakhsh, Ali Samadi, Amirhossein Bastami, Amirhossein Ejlali, Heider Ekrami, Omid Khojasteh and Ali Eyvozi.
Pakistan Kabaddi Squad
Pakistan’s captain is Mudassir Ali. The squad features Afaq Khan, Akhlaq Ahmed, Bilal Khan, Faizan Ali, Farhan Ali, Muhammad Qasim, Muhammad Umair Naseem, Muhammad Usman Arshad, Muhammad Zohaib Niaz, Rahat Maqsood Ali, Shoaib Mumtaz Ali and Usman Ahmad.
South Korea and Japan
South Korea will be led by Jang Kun Lee and includes Dong Gyu Kim, Keon Myeong Kim, Dong Geon Lee, Jong Hoon Choi, Ju Hwan Kim, Min Soo Byeon, Hyung Jin Jang, Dong Woo Kim, Han Eol Kim, Hyun Min Heo and Ji Won Ku.
Host nation Japan will have Tetsuro Abe as captain. Its squad includes Hiroto Chiba, Etsuki Manita, Shoya Suzuki, Katsumi Abe, Fumitaka Sato, Hyuma Kurashima, Ryo Furihata, Yuten Kawate, Daiki Aratake, Yudai Kaneko and Hiroki Natsuyoshi.
Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Malaysia
Chinese Taipei will be captained by Tsai Chong-Hao, with Su Hsiang-Chih, Peng Xian-Ya, Jin Wufu-Kai, Li Jyun-Jie, Wang Lun-Chu, Chang Chung-Mao, Chuang Chia-Ming, Yeh Jiunn-Ming, Lin Po-Ting, Cai Ruei-Chen and Chen Zheng-Wei in the squad.
Thailand’s captain is Thanongsak Srihera. The team also includes Chayaphon Kamunee, Rattanakon Yotsungnoen, Supawit Somrat, Phetchui Saharat, Jittiang Khomkrit, Nopphadon Pontaisong, Nithiphat Phikhrao, Somboon Kaewkampon, Pramot Saising and Theeradet Chaisit.
Malaysia will be led by D.V. Kumaran, with Suresh L.K. Seng and Madhva R.R. among the named players selected from the national centralized training camp.
Bangladesh and Nepal
Bangladesh and Nepal have both registered 12-member squads. Bangladesh’s group is primarily drawn from Border Guard Bangladesh and Bangladesh Navy, with senior internationals including Mizanur Rahman and Arduzzaman Munshi.
Nepal’s squad is largely made up of players from the Nepal Army and Police Club. Ghanshyam Roka Magar and Kalyan Bhujel are among the experienced players named.
Asian Games Kabaddi Format
The Asian Games kabaddi participating countries will be divided into two groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with both losing semi-finalists receiving bronze medals.
The Asian Games 2026 kabaddi team list features 10 nations, with matches scheduled at the Tōkai Citizens Gymnasium and Nagoya Trade and Industry Centre in Aichi Prefecture. The Asian Games kabaddi players list will be closely followed as the teams compete for continental honours.
