India have appointed Dronacharya Awardee Balwan Singh as the head coach of the men’s kabaddi team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. B.C. Ramesh, Arjuna Awardee who has been part of three PKL title-winning coaching staffs, has been named his deputy as India prepare to defend their Asian Games title.
The coaching combination brings together two highly experienced figures from different eras of Indian kabaddi. Balwan Singh has a strong record in international tournaments, while Ramesh brings extensive experience from the modern Pro Kabaddi League.
Balwan Singh Returns to India Setup
The appointment marks the return of Balwan Singh to the Indian men’s national team after a decade. His previous spell as coach produced major international success, including Asian Games gold medals at Guangzhou in 2010 and Incheon in 2014.
Balwan also guided India to multiple World Cup triumphs, including the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. His experience of handling high-pressure international tournaments could prove valuable as India look to maintain their dominance at the Asian Games.
The Balwan Singh India kabaddi coach appointment gives the national team an experienced leader who has already delivered success at the highest level.
B.C. Ramesh Brings Modern Tactical Approach
B.C. Ramesh will work as Balwan’s deputy and brings a strong record from the Pro Kabaddi League. The Arjuna Awardee has won three PKL titles as a coach and has worked with successful franchises including Bengal Warriorz and Puneri Paltan.
Ramesh is particularly known for his tactical approach to defence. His work on corner chain coordination, defensive structures and backline traps could give India additional options against strong international opponents.
The combination of Balwan’s international experience and Ramesh’s modern tactical ideas gives India an experienced coaching team ahead of the tournament.
Anup Kumar Joins as Team Manager
Former India captain and Arjuna Awardee Anup Kumar has also joined the setup as team manager. Anup was part of India’s successful teams as captain and played a major role in the country’s 2014 Asian Games and 2016 World Cup triumphs.
Sunil Kumar has been named captain and will lead the Indian team on the mat. His leadership experience and success in the PKL will be important as India attempt to defend their title.
The support staff includes strength and conditioning coach Neeraj Kumar, physiotherapist Arjun Puranik and masseur Pradeep Chaurasiya.
India Begin Asian Games Title Defence
India enter the 2026 Asian Games as defending champions after winning gold at Hangzhou. However, the competition is expected to be challenging, with Iran and South Korea among the teams capable of putting pressure on the defending champions.
The BC Ramesh India kabaddi connection adds another layer of tactical experience to the national setup. His knowledge of modern defensive systems could complement Balwan Singh’s understanding of international competition.
India Men’s Kabaddi Coach 2026 Setup
The India men’s kabaddi coach 2026 setup brings together proven winners from international and franchise kabaddi. Balwan Singh’s return gives India a coach with two Asian Games gold medals, while B.C. Ramesh adds three PKL championships to the coaching team.
With Sunil Kumar leading the side and Anup Kumar supporting the team as manager, India will be aiming for another gold medal in Aichi Nagoya. The combination of experienced coaching, strong leadership and tactical depth will be central to India’s hopes of successfully defending their Asian Games crown.
