IIS Hosts National Kabaddi Camp to Power Athletes for 2026 Asian Games

The camp brought together 75 elite male and female kabaddi athletes - probables for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games - for an intensive, high-performance training programme designed to elevate physical conditioning and technical capabilities, according to a press release.

As part of IIS's commitment to supporting high performance and advancing sports science in India, the camp featured a comprehensive schedule that included structured strength and conditioning sessions across the gym and track, kabaddi-specific technical training in the combat hall, and recovery protocols such as pool sessions, sauna, and ice baths. Athletes also participated in educational workshops covering key areas such as anti-doping, nutrition, female health awareness, and physiology.

The programme commenced with a series of scientific assessments, including the gold standard Yo-Yo test, alongside detailed physical screening to tailor training interventions and maximise performance outcomes. The strength and conditioning module incorporated boxing circuit training, gym sessions, and track sessions, ensuring a holistic approach to athlete development.

The camp was led by IIS' Head of Performance Science, Malcolm Geluk, along with Haryana Steelers Strength and Conditioning Coach Ranjit Nahak and other experts, reinforcing IIS' position as the leading high-performance training hub in India.

Manisha Malhotra, President, IIS, said, "We were very pleased to host the Kabaddi Strength and Conditioning Camp at IIS. As the first camp of its kind at IIS, it was a valuable learning experience for our team as well. Our High-Performance team did a commendable job in designing the testing and training programme for this initiative. We would also like to thank AKFI and Mashal Sports for partnering with us on this project. We look forward to many more such collaborative initiatives."

Jaideep Dahiya, Indian Kabaddi Player and Captain, Haryana Steelers, said, "IIS has been my second home now. I have been attending pre-season camps with Haryana Steelers at IIS for the past five years, and you can't find a better place to organise a testing and training camp anywhere else in India. The facilities, as we all know, are top-notch, but the staff here are equally world-class. I also really appreciate the focus on education alongside training. I learn something new every time I visit."

Malcolm Geluk, Head of Performance Science, said, "The programme was built around fundamental movement skills and the ability to produce strength and force. Given that the athletes had limited exposure to structured strength and conditioning, we went back to basics and introduced key principles they can take back to their home environments. A strong focus was placed on conditioning, keeping in mind the demands of the sport, especially the two 20-minute halves, which we aimed to replicate in training."

With initiatives like these, IIS continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India's sporting ecosystem by not just supporting India's Olympic movement but also supporting teams, athletes, and federations through world-class high-performance infrastructure, scientific training methodologies, and athlete education to drive performance excellence.

- ANI