Expectations of gold medal serve as motivation — Kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat

Sehrawat added that the men’s team has the confidence to live up to the expectations. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

India’s men’s kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat said the team will once again give its all to clinch gold and extend its dominant record at the Asian Games.

“I feel very proud to be one of the 12 guys chosen from such a large pool of population to represent the country. When I wear the jersey of India, I feel that I have a responsibility, as we are carrying the weight of the whole country out there and it should go in the right direction as we get the extreme best for India,” Sehrawat said ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

India is the most successful kabaddi nation in the Asian Games, having won 11 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medals between both men’s and women’s teams.

Sehrawat, who holds the record for scoring most raid points (39) in a Pro Kabaddi League match, feels that the expectation of gold serves as motivation rather than pressure for the team.

“You expect something from someone who deserves it, and you expect gold from Kabaddi. So, it’s a proud moment for the kabaddi team. We are seen as a team that will bring gold medal and it is a matter of pride. That expectation gets converted into motivation and makes it easier to play,” he added.

The 12-member men’s group underwent a preparatory camp at the Sports Authority of India centre in Gandhinagar from September 5 to 15.

Sehrawat is confident about the coordination within the squad, and feels it has developed the trust and understanding necessary for the high-octane event in Japan.

“The team is very confident. We have practiced a lot together. All the 12 players who have been selected make a great combination. We trust each other. The most important thing is that we are here for one thing, and that is gold. Gold makes us all one, and this is what a team should be,” said Sehrawat.

The kabaddi event at the Asian Games 2026 will kickstart on September 21 with the final taking place on September 26.

Squad

Sunil Kumar (captain), Pawan Sehrawat, Ankit Jaglan, Aslam Inamdar, Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, Arjun Deshwal, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, Sumit Sangwan.