India have announced a 14-member men’s squad for the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026, scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad from October 23 to 31.
Experienced raiders Naveen Kumar and Sachin Tanwar headline the squad, which also features veteran defender Surjeet Singh as India prepare to compete on home soil.
The squad combines established performers from the domestic kabaddi circuit with players seeking to strengthen their credentials at the international level. The selection comes after India clinched the men’s kabaddi gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games, although none of the 12 players from that victorious team have been included in the Commonwealth Championship squad.
India Men’s Squad for Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026
Raiders: Sachin Tanwar, Naveen Kumar, Pankaj Mohite, Aditya Shinde, Shivam Patare.
Defenders: Surjeet Singh, Ajit Pawar, Parvesh Bhainswal, Shubham Shinde, Nitesh Kumar, Yogesh Dahiya, Deepak Sankar.
All-rounders: Bharat Hooda, Neeraj Narwal.
Key Players to Watch
Naveen Kumar will be one of India’s leading attacking options, having established himself as one of the prominent raiders in the Pro Kabaddi League. Sachin Tanwar adds further raiding quality, while Pankaj Mohite, Aditya Shinde and Shivam Patare provide additional options in attack.
At the back, Surjeet Singh brings considerable experience, with Parvesh Bhainswal, Shubham Shinde, Nitesh Kumar and Yogesh Dahiya strengthening India’s defensive resources. Bharat Hooda and Neeraj Narwal offer versatility as all-rounders.
Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026: Dates and Venue
The inaugural championship will take place at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from October 23 to 31. India will look to make the most of home conditions as they pursue the title. The tournament will also offer an opportunity for players outside the recent Asian Games-winning squad to establish themselves in the national setup and demonstrate their ability on the international stage.