Neeta Dhadwe savours Asian Games gold as India women’s kabaddi coach

Neeta Dhadwe, coach of India’s women’s kabaddi team, savoured another Asian Games gold after previously guiding the side to the 2014 title. She praised the juniors, highlighted tactical changes and called for a stronger Pro League

Hyderabad: She knows what it means to be a gold medallist! For Neeta Dhadwe, coach of the Indian women’s kabaddi team that won gold at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan on Saturday, it was yet another moment to cherish forever.

For Neeta, a winner of 14 consecutive gold medals representing Indian Railways and someone who had led India to championship wins in Asian-level events before calling it a day in 2002, when she last won gold playing for united Andhra Pradesh in the National Games, it was double delight in a way, having coached the 2014 Indian women’s team to gold in the Asian Games.

---

“This is a much more memorable performance. For that team had stalwarts. Now, there are only three seniors and hats off to the juniors, especially Nikhita, who put up a great show and raised the bar,” Neeta said in a chat with ‘Telangana Today’ from Japan.

“It is a complete team effort with a perfect balance in offence and defence. Yes, we did employ a different strategy for the final and I am glad it worked. We focused on the left-raider (Nikitha) and the gambit clicked to our delight,” she said.

“The crowd support from the stands was just awesome and was truly inspirational,” Neeta said about the vociferous fans during the Asiad final.

“This gold is a reminder, if needed, that Indian kabaddi is on a different plane. Yes, we need to keep working really hard and improving as there are very strong teams like Chinese Taipei and Iran, which are looking better and better in international tournaments,” the Office Superintendent in South Central Railway said.

What does Indian kabaddi need? “We need a full-fledged Pro League which should give the girls a chance to play with some world-class internationals. At the same time, we are grateful to the Sports Authority of India and the Federation for facilitating two preparatory camps in Bellary and Gandhinagar before the 2026 Asian Games. They were really helpful in plugging some of the weak spots,” she explained.

“Definitely, what I couldn’t achieve as a player — failing to win the Asian Games as the sport was introduced in the 2010 edition — I am glad that I played my bit in the Indian team winning the gold again. This is one of the best moments of my career,” Neeta said.

“Yes, I am ready to accept any challenges as a coach to see India keep winning,” signed off a visibly jubilant coach from Hyderabad.