At a high-performance camp in Bellary, India’s top kabaddi players emphasised a shift towards scientific training and structured preparation. Aslam Inamdar and Naveen Kumar highlighted the importance of strength, recovery and mental fitness, while Pushpa Rana said improved awareness is helping prevent injuries and build long-term performance ahead of key events like the Asian Games.

Bellary: As India’s top kabaddi players come together for a high-performance Strength & Conditioning camp, the focus is clearly shifting towards a more scientific and structured approach to preparation – one that goes beyond traditional training methods, especially with key international competitions like the Asian Games on the horizon.

For all-rounder Aslam Inamdar, the evolution of kabaddi has made strength and conditioning an essential part of the game. With the sport becoming faster and more physically demanding, the margin for error has reduced significantly. “The S&C aspect is very important in kabaddi today. If your base is not strong, injuries are bound to happen. Training, recovery, and understanding your body all play a big role in performance,” he said.

He also spoke about how such initiatives are helping players better understand the demands of modern training. “I would like to thank AKFI and Mashal Sports for organising a camp like this and helping players understand the importance of the S&C system.”

This growing emphasis on physical and mental readiness is echoed by Naveen Kumar, who highlighted the demands of maintaining peak performance across multiple camps and competitions. “In a camp setup, you have to give 100 percent every single time. Physically, it can be challenging, but mental fitness plays a big role. If you are mentally strong and disciplined, your body responds accordingly,” he noted.