The 27-year-old right defender, who was part of India\u2019s gold-medal-winning campaign at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022, will lead a squad that combines experienced players with emerging talent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The current 12-member squad includes four members of the Hangzhou gold-medal-winning side: Sunil, Arjun Deshwal, Aslam Inamdar and Pawan Sehrawat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The team also features established Pro Kabaddi League players such as Ashu Malik, Jaideep Dahiya, Devank Dalal and Rahul Sethpal, while Ayan Lohchab represents the younger generation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sunil said the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the kabaddi federation started the team\u2019s camp six to eight months in advance, allowing the players sufficient time to work on their combinations and strategy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe preparation has been very good because our federation and SAI started our camp six to eight months ago. We have planned the team combination and strategy well,\u201d Sunil told SAI Media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe first practised at SAI Bengaluru, then went to Bellary for training, and now our camp is at SAI Gandhinagar.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The extended preparation has also helped the players understand their respective roles and develop greater clarity about the team\u2019s tactical approach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India will enter the Asian Games looking to build on its strong record in kabaddi. The men\u2019s team won gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, with Sunil, Arjun, Aslam and Pawan part of that campaign.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOur senior players gave the team a different identity and brought so many gold medals for India. We want to maintain that legacy, add another gold medal to India\u2019s tally and follow the path that our legends have created,\u201d Sunil said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The captain also stressed the importance of a collective effort, with India possessing strength in both raiding and defence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou cannot win just by one person\u2019s effort. This time, our raiding and defence departments are both quite strong. To a large extent, we have the top players in kabaddi in our team, whether you look at the raiders or the defenders,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The captain also stressed the importance of a collective effort, with India possessing strength in both raiding and defence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The kabaddi competition will be held at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Tokai City, Aichi Prefecture, with India\u2019s campaign beginning on September 21 and the finals scheduled for September 26.<\/p>\r\n\r\n