‘If your base is strong, performance follows’: Aslam Inamdar, Naveen Kumar and Pushpa Rana on modern kabaddi’s demands

Bellary, April 1, 2026:

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.

For Naveen, consistency remains the biggest challenge at the elite level. “When you have multiple camps and competitions, maintaining that level non-stop is tough, but that’s what is required at this level,” he said.

For Pushpa Rana, one of the key takeaways from the camp has been a deeper understanding of her own body and the role of science in improving performance. From injury prevention to recovery techniques, the exposure to structured training methods is helping athletes build longevity in the sport. “We are understanding our body much better – what our weaknesses are and how to work on them. Things like recovery and proper training methods are helping us improve and stay fit for the long term,” she said.

Having already experienced the highs and challenges of the international stage, Pushpa also highlighted her continued ambition. “In 2011, I played in the Asian Games and won a silver medal. Later, in 2023, I was part of the team that won gold. I worked very hard for that, but I got injured at that time. So now my next target is the Asian Games and winning gold again,” she shared.

She also highlighted how awareness has evolved with access to better support systems. “Earlier, we didn’t always know the right way to deal with things like muscle tightness or recovery. Now, with proper guidance, we are learning how to take care of our bodies better,” she added.

Together, these perspectives underline a broader shift in Indian kabaddi—where performance is no longer driven by skill alone, but by a combination of fitness, recovery, discipline, and a deeper awareness of the body.