As India’s women’s kabaddi probables undergo an intensive high-performance camp at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Bellary, the emphasis on scientific training methods and structured recovery has emerged as a defining feature of the preparation.
For seasoned all-rounder Sonali Shingate, this shift represents a crucial evolution in Indian kabaddi’s approach ahead of the 2026 Asian Games.
A vital member of India’s gold medal-winning squad at the 2025 Kabaddi World Cup in Dhaka and part of the silver medal-winning contingent at the 2018 Asian Games, Shingate brings both experience and perspective to a camp that blends established internationals with emerging talent. Organised jointly by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and Mashal Sports, the camp reflects a broader push to modernise training frameworks in the sport.
Traditionally, kabaddi training in India has relied heavily on match play, endurance drills, and skill repetition. However, the current camp at IIS signals a transition towards a more data-driven and science-backed model, incorporating strength and conditioning, recovery protocols, and workload management.
“The focus on strength and conditioning here is something new for many of us,” Shingate said. “It’s helping us understand how to train better and improve our overall performance.”
This structured approach is designed to address one of the long-standing challenges in kabaddi—balancing physical intensity with injury prevention. With the sport demanding explosive strength, agility, and repeated high-impact movements, the risk of fatigue-related injuries has always been significant.
Recovery as a Performance Tool
One of the standout aspects of the camp, according to Shingate, is the equal importance given to recovery. From physiotherapy sessions and mobility work to rest cycles and nutrition planning, the emphasis is on ensuring that athletes can sustain peak performance over extended periods.
“The training is tough, but recovery is equally important, and that’s being managed very well here,” she noted. “It’s helping our bodies adjust quickly.”
This marks a critical shift in mindset. Earlier, recovery was often seen as secondary to training volume. Now, it is being treated as an integral component of performance optimisation—something that aligns Indian kabaddi with global high-performance standards.
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Shingate’s insights are shaped by nearly a decade of competing at the highest level. Having experienced both the highs of international success and the challenges of maintaining consistency, she emphasised the need for smarter training methods.
“Earlier, we didn’t always focus enough on recovery and managing workload, which sometimes led to injuries,” she explained. “With this kind of scientific approach, players can stay fitter and perform better.”
Her recent outing at the 72nd Women’s Senior National Kabaddi Championship in Hyderabad, where she helped Indian Railways secure a silver medal, further reinforced the importance of managing physical demands. In a packed competitive calendar, the ability to recover quickly and maintain form becomes a decisive factor.
Competitive Environment Breeds Growth
Beyond the technical aspects, the camp has also created a dynamic and competitive training environment. With around 45 probables in contention, the internal competition for places in the final Asian Games squad is intense.
For Shingate, this environment is a positive driver.
“Training together motivates both seniors and juniors,” she said. “We push each other to improve, and that healthy competition helps raise everyone’s level.”
Younger players bring energy and hunger, while experienced athletes provide guidance and stability. This interplay is essential for building a balanced squad capable of handling high-pressure situations.
Role of IIS in High-Performance Sport
The Inspire Institute of Sport has played a pivotal role in elevating the standard of preparation. With access to world-class infrastructure, sports science expertise, and integrated support systems, athletes can focus entirely on performance.
Facilities at IIS include specialised strength and conditioning setups, recovery zones, and data monitoring systems that track athlete workload and progress. Such resources are particularly valuable in a contact sport like kabaddi, where physical readiness directly impacts performance.
With the Asian Games later this year in Japan, the current camp represents a critical phase in India’s preparation cycle. The focus is not just on short-term gains but on building a sustainable high-performance culture.
For players like Shingate, the objective is clear arrive at the Asian Games in peak condition, both physically and mentally.
The integration of scientific training methods, combined with a competitive squad environment, provides a strong foundation. However, execution on the mat will ultimately determine outcomes.
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India’s women’s kabaddi team has long been a dominant force in Asia, but the evolving competitive landscape demands continuous adaptation. The ongoing camp at IIS Bellary reflects a conscious effort to embrace modern training methodologies and bridge the gap with global standards.
For Sonali Shingate and her teammates, the message is clear: performance is no longer just about effort—it is about efficiency, recovery, and precision.
As the countdown to the Asian Games continues, this blend of science and skill could prove to be the difference between contention and dominance.
