Pawan Sehrawat to Lead Indian Men’s Kabaddi Team
The much-anticipated Asian Games 2023 are just around the corner, and the excitement in the world of kabaddi is palpable. The Indian kabaddi teams, both men’s and women’s, were officially unveiled by the Sports Ministry on Friday, August 25th. While the announcement brought joy to many fans, it also carried a surprising twist – the exclusion of seasoned raider Pardeep Narwal from the men’s squad. Let’s dive into the details of the Indian kabaddi teams and the prospects for the upcoming Asian Games.
Also Read: India’s Thrilling Victory: Eighth Consecutive Asian Kabaddi Championship Title in 2023
Men’s Squad: A New Leadership
In a significant development, Pawan Sehrawat is expected to take the reins of the Indian Men’s Kabaddi team for the Asian Games 2023. Known for his incredible raiding skills, Sehrawat’s leadership promises an exciting journey for Indian kabaddi enthusiasts. The team consists of 12 talented players who will battle it out on the kabaddi mat.
Star Raiders Lead the Charge
The Men’s squad boasts a formidable lineup of raiders, including the electrifying Naveen Kumar and the experienced Arjun Deshwal, who emerged as the top raider in the most recent Pro Kabaddi League season. Joining them are Aslam Inamdar, Sachin, and Akash Shinde, further enhancing the team’s raiding prowess.
Rock-Solid Defenders
Defending is equally crucial in kabaddi, and the Indian Men’s team has it covered with a squad of six defenders. This includes stalwarts like Parvesh Bhainswal, Vishal Bhardwaj, and Sunil Kumar, along with Surjeet Singh, Nitesh Kumar, and Nitin Rawal, who bring their invaluable experience to the mix.
Coaching Expertise
Guiding this talented bunch will be the experienced coach Ashan Kumar, who will be instrumental in fine-tuning their skills and strategies. Notably, none of the 12 athletes selected for the upcoming Asian Games participated in the previous edition in Jakarta in 2018.
A History of Dominance for Indian Kabaddi Team
Indian men have a remarkable history at the Asian Games, having dominated the sport since its introduction in 1990. With seven out of eight gold medals in their bag, they are the team to beat.
Indian Men’s Kabaddi Team: Nitesh Kumar, Parvesh Bhainswal, Sachin, Surjeet Singh, Vishal Bhardwaj, Arjun Deshwal, Aslam Inamdar, Naveen Kumar, Pawan Sehrawat, Sunil Kumar, Nitin Rawal, Akash Shinde.
Women’s Squad: The Quest for Gold Continues
The Indian Women’s Kabaddi team is equally determined to make its mark at the Asian Games. With a history of success in the sport, they are eager to reclaim the gold medal.
Proven Performers
Among the 12-member Indian women’s kabaddi team, three silver medallists from Jakarta 2018 – Sakshi Kumari, Sonali Vishnu Shingate, and Ritu Negi – have earned their spots. Their previous experience at the Games will be invaluable in the pursuit of victory.
A Legacy of Excellence
Women’s kabaddi made its debut at the Asian Games in 2010, and India has been a force to reckon with since then. They secured gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 editions but faced a tough challenge in the form of Iran in the previous edition at Jakarta.
Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team: Akshima, Jyoti, Pooja, Pooja, Priyanka, Pushpa, Sakshi Kumari, Ritu Negi, Nidhi Sharma, Sushma Sharma, Snehal Pradeep Shinde, Sonali Vishnu Shingate.
The stage is set, and the stakes are high. As the Indian kabaddi teams gear up for the Asian Games 2023, all eyes will be on Pawan Sehrawat and his men as they aim to continue their kabaddi dominance. Meanwhile, the women’s team, led by proven performers, seeks to reclaim their golden legacy. Kabaddi enthusiasts across the nation eagerly await the exhilarating clashes on the mat, where pride and glory are at stake. Stay tuned for more updates as we countdown to the Asian Games!
