Nine of the 12 players selected in India’s men’s kabaddi squad for the 2026 Asian Games have emerged from the Kabaddi Champions League ecosystem. The strong representation highlights the growing role of KCL in developing players and creating a pathway towards the senior national team.
India will enter the Asian Games in Aichi Nagoya, Japan, with the aim of defending its continental title. The large number of KCL graduates in the squad has also put the spotlight on the league’s contribution to the development of Indian kabaddi.
Nine KCL Players in India Squad
The nine KCL kabaddi players selected for the India kabaddi Asian Games 2026 squad represent different franchises from the competition.
Captain Sunil Kumar, a right cover defender, represents the Karnal Kings connection. Raiders Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal have emerged through the Hisar Heroes, Sonipat Stars and Bhiwani Bulls respectively.
The defensive unit also has a strong KCL presence. Rahul Sethpal from Gurugram Gurus has been selected as a right corner, while Jaideep Dahiya from Faridabad Fighters occupies the left cover position.
Ankit Jaglan, who played for Panipat Panthers, and KCL Circuit representatives Sumit Sangwan and Gaurav Khatri complete the nine players who have come through the KCL ecosystem.
The remaining three members of the 12 player squad are established stars Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal and Aslam Inamdar.
Balwan Singh Named Head Coach
KCL’s influence extends beyond the players selected for the national team. Dronacharya Awardee Balwan Singh, who serves as Chairman of the Kabaddi Champions League, has been appointed Head Coach of the Indian men’s team for the Asian Games.
His appointment gives the KCL ecosystem another direct connection with India’s national setup. Singh’s experience will be important as India prepares to face some of the strongest kabaddi teams in Asia.
KCL Creates a Pathway to the National Team
The KCL impact on Indian kabaddi can be seen in the way the competition connects domestic talent with higher levels of the sport. The league provides players with an opportunity to compete regularly and develop their skills before moving towards competitions such as the Pro Kabaddi League and national selection camps.
This pathway can be particularly valuable for players who need more exposure before making the jump to elite senior cricket, or rather, kabaddi. Regular competitive matches allow young players to improve their decision making, fitness and understanding of the game.
Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal are two strong examples of this progression. Both raiders developed their match tempo and raiding skills through KCL before earning places in India’s Asian Games squad.
Building Defensive Partnerships
KCL has also helped players develop defensive understanding through regular match exposure. Sunil Kumar and Jaideep Dahiya have developed valuable experience in cover positions, while Rahul Sethpal and Ankit Jaglan provide further strength in the corners.
Playing within a structured league environment allows defenders to understand each other’s movements and build communication. That experience can become particularly important at the international level, where small defensive errors can decide major matches.
Players Proud of KCL Journey
Sunil Kumar has described representing India as the biggest honour of his life and credited KCL with giving him valuable experience and confidence. Ayan Lohchab has also called his Asian Games selection a dream come true and highlighted the platform provided by KCL.
Devank Dalal echoed that sentiment, saying that representing India at the Asian Games is a dream for every athlete.
The strong presence of KCL kabaddi players in India’s squad represents an important milestone for the league. With nine of 12 players coming through its system and Balwan Singh leading the national team, KCL’s influence on Indian kabaddi has never been more visible.
