Kabaddi has been a full Asian Games sport since the 1990 edition in Beijing, with the women’s event introduced in 2010.

Kabaddi is a full-contact sport in which "raiders" attempt to tag one or more members of the opposing team without exhaling a breath.

India have been dominant in the seven-a-side competition at the Asian Games, winning the first seven gold medals in the men’s event since the sport was introduced, along with two women’s titles.

Iran ended India’s run of success by securing double gold at Jakarta Palembang 2018.

Rijiju, speaking on an online coaches knowledge enhancement session organised by the Sports Authority of India, expressed hope the sport can continue to develop and be included on the Olympic programme.

“Kabaddi has already been included in the Asian Games and now, not just India, but all Asian countries must come together to ensure that the sport is included in the Olympics as well,” he said, according to Asian News International.

“That is our ultimate goal.

“And to achieve that goal we must improve the standard of the game in India and also ensure that we propagate it across geographical locations in India and the rest of the world.”

The online coaching session reportedly included 700 kabaddi coaches from the region.

Coaches from India, Malaysia and South Korea were among those participating.

Organisers hope the sessions help to enhance coaches knowledge of the sport, which will enhance the development of kabaddi in the region long-term.

The online sessions are being held during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.