Haryana has once again reinforced its reputation as India’s kabaddi powerhouse after playing a major role in the country’s golden campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. More than half of the players in India’s gold medal-winning men’s and women’s kabaddi teams hailed from the state, highlighting the deep-rooted sporting culture that continues to produce elite talent.
Kabaddi, widely known across the region as mitti ka khel (the game of the soil), remains a way of life in many villages of Panipat and Sonepat. Every morning and evening, village grounds are filled with youngsters training under experienced players, with children often taking up the sport from an early age after watching their seniors.
Haryana Dominates India’s Asian Games Squads
The Indian men’s team featured eight players from Haryana. Captain Sunil Malik is from Bhainswal Kalan village, while Ashu Malik represents Khanpur Kalan and Jaideep Dahiya comes from Sisana in Sonepat district. Panipat contributed Ankit Jaglan from Naultha and Rahul Rawal from Bapoli, while Devank Dalal hails from Singhpura in Rohtak, Ayan from Bupania in Jhajjar, and Sumit Sangwan from Adampur in Charkhi Dadri.
The women’s squad also had a strong Haryana presence, with six players representing the state. Former captain Ritu Negi is from Burshyam in Panipat district, Rajrani belongs to Khanpur Kalan in Sonepat, Ritu Shyoran Jhangu comes from Kakroli Hatti in Charkhi Dadri, Manisha represents Bhiwani Rohilla village, Nikita is from Hasangarh in Hisar district, and Pooja Kajla hails from Hathwala village in Jind.
Notably, seven of the 14 Haryana players in the two gold medal-winning squads come from just the Panipat and Sonepat districts.
Villages Continue Producing Kabaddi Talent
According to Satender Malik “Babloo”, vice-president of the Amateur Kabaddi Association in Panipat, kabaddi participation remains exceptionally strong across the district. Villages such as Ugrakheri, Burshyam, Naultha, Jondhan Kala, Sewah, Dahar, Atawla, Rajakheri, Bal Jatan, Bapoli and Sutana have become well known for producing talented players.
Coach Jogender Nambardar, who trains girls in Dahar village, said more than 70 girls actively practice kabaddi there. He pointed out that Panipat’s Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 girls’ teams recently won gold medals at the Haryana state school games, which featured teams from all 22 districts.
He added that players from Dahar have also earned gold medals in inter-university competitions, while athletes from the village have collectively won more than 20 national gold medals, over 40 state medals and six inter-university medals. Girls from nearby villages, including Ugrakheri, Burshyam, Bal Jatan, Hartari and Naryana, regularly travel to Dahar for training.
Traditional hubs continue to thrive
Balbir Singh, chairman of the Amateur Kabaddi Association in Sonepat, said villages such as Ridhana and Kathura have traditionally been regarded as kabaddi strongholds. However, Bhainswal Kalan, Khanpur Kalan, Purkhas and Sheikhpura are now emerging as important centres for the sport, with new training facilities being developed in the villages where many top players were raised.
He also noted that Kathura and Ridhana have produced several Arjuna Award recipients, while numerous kabaddi players from the region have gone on to secure senior positions in both central and state government services.
Growth of Women’s Kabaddi
Dharambir Malik, chairman of the Amateur Kabaddi Association in Panipat, reflected on the sport’s transformation since the early 1990s.
He recalled that, at a time when families were often reluctant to allow girls to travel for sport, players from Ugrakheri village began winning medals not only at district and state competitions but also at the national level.
“The enthusiasm for kabaddi among villagers was incredible during those days. I even transported the team to Goa in a truck,” he said.
According to Malik, athletes first progressed through junior and sub-junior competitions before earning opportunities at the state and national levels based on their performances. Today, more than 400 boys and girls train regularly at various kabaddi grounds across Panipat district.
Government Recognition And Rewards
Krishan Lal Panwar, Haryana’s Minister of Panchayats and Development, who also serves as president of the Haryana Amateur Kabaddi Association and national vice-president of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India, congratulated both Indian teams for their Asian Games triumph.
He highlighted that over half of the players in the two gold medal-winning squads came from Haryana, underlining the state’s contribution to Indian sport at the international level.
Panwar also noted that circle-style kabaddi has now received official recognition from the Haryana government under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, a move that recently helped many players secure Group D government jobs.
He added that the Haryana government will honour every member of the Asian Games gold medal-winning kabaddi teams with a cash reward of ₹3 crore.
