India’s women’s kabaddi team will head into the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with the goal of defending its continental title, with captain Pushpa Rana describing the pressure of expectations as a source of motivation rather than a burden.

Rana has been named captain of the 12-member squad and will lead India in a campaign beginning on September 21. The team has focused on match-specific practice, video analysis and correcting weaknesses identified by the coaching staff as part of its preparation.

India prepare to defend Asian Games crown

India enters the tournament as defending champion after winning a dramatic 26-25 final against Chinese Taipei at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou.

The women’s team has also enjoyed recent success on the global stage, strengthening expectations ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Games. Rana said the achievements of previous Indian teams have encouraged the current squad to maintain the same winning standard.

Rather than viewing the defending-champion tag as pressure, she said the players are using it as motivation to continue India’s strong kabaddi tradition.

India has historically been one of the dominant nations in Asian Games kabaddi, while the women’s team has won three gold medals in the competition.

Pushpa Rana counts on experienced players

The Asian Games will mark Rana’s first major assignment as captain, although she has previously served as vice-captain.

She said experienced teammates will play an important role in helping her manage the responsibility. Senior players including Ritu Negi and Sonali Shingate are expected to provide leadership and guidance throughout the tournament.

Rana also identified Chinese Taipei as one of the teams India will need to watch closely, particularly after the narrow margin between the two sides in the previous Asian Games final.

The squad’s preparation has included studying opponents, reviewing previous matches and working on tactical areas where improvements are required.

Pooja Kajla hopes success inspires young girls

Arjuna Award recipient Pooja Kajla believes another Asian Games gold medal could have an impact beyond the competition itself.

Kajla said successful performances by Indian sportswomen can encourage young girls to take up sport and persuade families to support their ambitions.

She also highlighted the importance of the team’s strength and conditioning programme, particularly sessions focusing on recovery, sleep and performance management. According to Kajla, those sessions helped the players develop better habits as they prepared for a demanding international tournament.

India begin campaign against Bangladesh

The women’s kabaddi competition at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games begins on September 21.

India will open its Group A campaign against Bangladesh before facing Iran on September 23 and hosts Japan on September 24. The semi-finals are scheduled for September 25, followed by the gold-medal match on September 26.

India Women's Kabaddi Team: Pushpa Rana (captain), Ritu Negi, Sonali Shingate, Sanju Devi, Pooja Kajla, Ritu Sheoran, Jyoti Thakur, Pinki Roy, Manisha Kumari, Bhavna Thakur, Raj Rani and Nikita Kumari.