Indian Women's Kabaddi Team Triumphs at Asian Games 2026

The Indian women's kabaddi team has achieved a remarkable victory at the Asian Games 2026, securing a gold medal after a hard-fought match against Iran. Captain Pushpa Rana highlighted the team's challenging journey, marked by rigorous training and strong support. Key player Jyoti Thakur credited the collective effort of the entire support staff and facilities provided by SAI Dharamshala. The final was a nail-biter, with India holding off a late challenge from Iran to win 37-34. Read on to explore the details of their inspiring journey and the tense moments of the final.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 29, 2026, 00:03 IST

Victory at the Asian Games

The Indian women's kabaddi team secured a gold medal at the Asian Games 2026, with captain Pushpa Rana reflecting on the arduous journey that led to this success. She emphasized that their extensive training, rigorous camps, committed coaches, and unwavering support culminated in this remarkable achievement. In a thrilling final, the team triumphed over Iran with a score of 37-34, successfully defending their title from the previous Hangzhou edition.

A Journey Filled with Challenges

"Our journey has been incredibly challenging. We have dedicated ourselves to this goal for a long time, and today our efforts have finally borne fruit. We trained consistently throughout the year, with intensive camps over the last few months. Our coaches have been instrumental in our preparation, both at the national camp and here. The support from everyone has been vital in helping us achieve this milestone," Rana stated.

Teamwork as the Foundation of Success

Jyoti Thakur, another key player in the gold medal-winning squad, acknowledged the contributions of SAI Dharamshala, the federation, and the entire support team for their role in providing excellent training facilities and opportunities. "This medal is a testament to everyone's collective effort. I am grateful to SAI Dharamshala for their outstanding facilities and training environment. I also appreciate our federation for their trust in us and for enabling us to represent our country effectively during the camp," Thakur remarked.

Nail-Biting Final Against Iran

The final match was intense, with India maintaining composure during the critical closing moments as Iran sought to mount a comeback. With just a minute left on the clock, Iran was in desperate need of points, but India's defense executed a pivotal tackle on Aynaz, effectively securing their victory. Ultimately, India emerged victorious with a score of 37-34, adding another gold medal to their collection.