Neeta Dadwe has taken charge of the Indian women’s kabaddi team ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a unique opportunity to create history. The Arjuna Awardee and former India captain has been appointed head coach, while fellow Arjuna Awardee Mamtha Poojari will serve as her deputy.
For Dadwe, the upcoming Asian Games are more than another coaching assignment. They represent an opportunity to complete a rare hat-trick of gold medals across major international multi-sport events as a coach.
Neeta Dadwe’s Gold Medal Journey
The journey began at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. Dadwe guided the Indian women’s team to the gold medal, helping the side maintain India’s strong record in women’s kabaddi at the continental event.
Two years later, she again tasted success at the 2016 South Asian Games in Guwahati and Shillong. Under her guidance, India won another gold medal, adding to Dadwe’s growing reputation as a successful coach.
Now, Neeta Dadwe’s Asian Games 2026 preparations are focused on Japan. A gold medal in Aichi-Nagoya would give her three consecutive gold medal success stories across the 2014 Asian Games, 2016 South Asian Games and 2026 Asian Games.
Strong Playing and Coaching Background
Neeta Dadwe’s kabaddi coach story is built on a highly successful playing career. Originally from Nagpur, Maharashtra, Dadwe represented the Maratha Lancers Club and later became an important player for Indian Railways.
She was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1997 and also served as captain of the Indian national team. During her playing career, Dadwe won eight Senior National gold medals with Indian Railways.
Her experience as an international player and former national captain gives her valuable knowledge as she prepares India’s current generation of kabaddi stars for another major tournament.
Mamtha Poojari Joins Coaching Team
Mamtha Poojari has been appointed as the deputy coach, giving India an experienced coaching partnership. Poojari is also an Arjuna Awardee and has experience as a coach after winning gold at the Asian Youth Games.
The combination gives India an all female coaching setup led by two former elite players. Dadwe brings her tactical experience and defensive understanding, while Poojari can provide valuable input on attacking play and raiding.
Preparations Underway in Bellary
The Indian women’s team has been preparing at the Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary, Karnataka. Dadwe has been closely involved in the national camp as the team works on combinations and overall balance.
The coaching staff are focusing on improving the connection between raiders and defenders while also addressing defensive mistakes. Building the right combinations is expected to be important as India looks to handle the pressure of defending its Asian Games title.
India are the reigning women’s kabaddi champions at the Asian Games after beating Chinese Taipei 26 25 in the final at Hangzhou.
India Women’s Kabaddi Coach Targets Another Gold
The role of India Women’s kabaddi coach comes with significant expectations, especially with India entering the 2026 Asian Games as defending champions. For Dadwe, however, the tournament offers something even bigger.
A successful campaign in Japan would complete her unique three-tournament gold medal journey as a coach. With preparations already underway and an experienced coaching team in place, Neeta Dadwe in Asian Games 2026 will be a major storyline to follow when India’s women’s kabaddi team begins its title defence.
