The second half of 2026 promises to be one of the busiest and most important periods in kabaddi. With the 20th Asian Games scheduled for September in Nagoya, Japan, and Pro Kabaddi League Season 13 set to begin in December, players, coaches, and franchises are preparing for a demanding few months.
The road to PKL Season 13 is about much more than auctions and transfers. It is also about balancing national team commitments, player fitness, and long-term planning as kabaddi continues to grow on the global stage.
India’s Focus Turns to the Asian Games
For the Indian kabaddi team, the PKL and Asian Games 2026 schedule starts with the challenge of defending the country’s dominance at the continental level.
The selection committee is working to finalize a compact 12-player squad after evaluating several national camp participants. Unlike previous years, the emphasis is shifting towards speed, agility, and modern raiding techniques rather than relying only on experienced veterans.
The expected attacking partnership of Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik could become India’s biggest strength. Both players recently impressed together with Dabang Delhi and are expected to lead India’s raiding department.
Defensively, the coaching staff is building a disciplined unit capable of handling strong opponents such as Iran and the improving Pakistan side. Fitness, consistency, and teamwork are expected to play a major role in the final squad selection.
PKL Season 13 Preview
While the national team prepares for international success, every Pro Kabaddi League franchise is already planning for the next campaign.
The PKL Season 13 Preview has been dominated by major coaching and squad changes following Dabang Delhi’s title-winning campaign in Season 12.
One of the biggest developments has been the departure of legendary coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat from Bengaluru Bulls after 11 seasons. He has now taken over as the head coach of Gujarat Giants, where he will aim to rebuild the team’s defensive strength.
Several franchises are also investing in young talent. Telugu Titans have focused on promising players such as Aryan Dhawale and Laren Kumar, while Tamil Thalaivas have strengthened their defence by adding young prospect Lakshay Suhag.
These moves show that teams are planning not only for the upcoming season but also for long-term success.
Pro Kabaddi League Preparation Timeline
The remainder of 2026 follows a carefully planned schedule designed to help players avoid burnout while allowing them to perform for both club and country.
The Pro Kabaddi League preparation begins with the Season 13 player auction during July and August, where franchises will rebuild their squads and compete for top domestic and overseas stars.
Attention will then shift to the Asian Games in Nagoya from September 21 to September 26, where India will aim to retain its position as the leading kabaddi nation in Asia.
Following the international tournament, players will return to their franchises before PKL Season 13 officially begins in December.
Asian Games Could Shape the PKL Auction
One of the most interesting aspects of this calendar is how closely the Asian Games and PKL are connected.
Strong performances in Nagoya could significantly increase the market value of young Indian players as well as overseas stars from countries such as Iran, South Korea, and Japan. At the same time, leading Indian players must carefully manage their workload to stay fit for both international duty and the long PKL season.
The coming months will test every part of the sport. Teams that prepare well both physically and tactically will have the best chance of succeeding on the Road to PKL Season 13 while also making their mark at the Asian Games 2026.
