Four girls from Himachal Pradesh have made it to the Indian kabaddi squad for the Asian Games, further strengthening the state’s reputation as a powerhouse of women’s kabaddi. The Games will be held in September in Japan.“It’s a matter of immense pride for the state that our four girls will represent India at the prestigious Asian Games. It shows how Himachali girls are dominating kabaddi at the national as well as international level,” said Raj Kumar Bhranta, president of the Himachal Pradesh Kabaddi Association.India will enter the Games as the defending champions. At the 2023 Asian Games, Himachal girls played a key role in India’s gold-medal winning campaign, with as many as five players from the state featuring in the squad.“This time, too, there would have been five girls from the state, but talented player Sakshi Sharma bowed out of the race due to an untimely injury,” said Bhranta.He further said Ritu Negi would be representing India at the Asian Games for the third consecutive time. “It’s a massive achievement and shows her level and quality as a player,” he said.Bhranta said the state would continue to produce top kabaddi players as good infrastructure and playing opportunities are available to players at the grassroots level.“The association regularly holds tournaments at the sub-junior, junior and senior levels to spot the best talent,” he said.He further said the Education Department had introduced kabaddi at several sports hostels. “Besides, we have SAI and Khelo India centres where kabaddi players are trained,” he said.