India Dominates Kabaddi at Asian Games 2026 with Victories in Both Finals

India's Kabaddi Triumph at Asian Games 2026

Aichi-Nagoya [Japan], September 26: India achieved a remarkable feat in kabaddi at the Asian Games 2026, securing gold medals in both the women's and men's categories after defeating Iran in thrilling finals held at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium on Saturday.

The women's team narrowly clinched victory with a score of 37-34, successfully defending their title, while the men's team staged a comeback in the second half to win 40-34, marking their ninth gold medal in this sport at the Asian Games.

In contrast to India's smoother matches earlier in the tournament, the women's final was fiercely contested from the outset. India managed to edge out in raiding points, scoring 26 to Iran's 21, but Iran fought back with bonus points, earning eight compared to India's six, keeping the match competitive deep into the second half.

India led the first half 22-16, thanks to 16 out points, three bonus points, and one All-Out, all favoring India after a tightly contested start. Iran remained close, accumulating seven bonus points but failed to convert that into a lead before halftime.

After the break, Iran came out strong, outscoring India 18-15 in the second half and narrowing the gap to just one point at 27-26 after converting an All-Out opportunity. However, India maintained composure, with Sanju Devi's impressive raid shifting momentum back to India, and captain Pushpa Rana executing an All-Out to create some breathing space.

Pooja then took advantage of the Iranian defense's uncertainty to extend India's lead further. Although Iran fought back with a Super Tackle and 14 out points in the half, it wasn't enough to overcome India's advantage.

This victory allowed India to retain their women's kabaddi title, extending their streak of gold medals and concluding the tournament with their third gold at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games.

The men's final was equally thrilling, with both teams exchanging points right from the first raid. Arjun Deshwal and Devank Dalal spearheaded India's offense with aggressive raids, while Ali Samadi Choubtarash posed an early threat for Iran.

Sunil Kumar made an immediate impact in defense with a crucial Super Tackle against Mohammadreza Shadlouichiyaneh, while Arjun kept India in the game with a mix of touches and bonus points. Iran gained momentum when Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh executed a successful All-Out raid, putting them ahead.

With both teams displaying patience and defensive discipline, the match remained tightly contested. Arjun continued to score for India, while Jaideep made significant defensive plays to shift the momentum back to India. Iran's captain Fazel Atrachali responded with a Super Tackle, and Zafar Danesh caught Devank Dalal, allowing Iran to take a narrow 18-17 lead into halftime.

After the break, India emerged with renewed determination, forcing Iran into do-or-die raids. Zafar Danesh consistently rose to the challenge, while Shadlouichiyaneh's ankle hold extended Iran's lead. However, India's defense began to assert control, with Sumit and Jaideep executing a Super Tackle on Ali Samadi, followed by Aslam Inamdar's successful do-or-die raid that leveled the score.

As both teams continued to deliver high-quality tackles, Sumit became a pivotal figure in India's defense from the left corner, while Omid and Fazel executed another Super Tackle to keep Iran close. India finally broke through when Arjun Deshwal managed to evade the formidable Fazel Atrachali, setting up an All-Out that gave India a five-point lead with ten minutes left.

With the pressure mounting, Arjun and Devank pressed the Iranian defense, while Sumit executed a crucial back hold to neutralize Zafar Danesh, extending India's lead. Although Shadlouichiyaneh kept Iran in contention, Rahul Sethpal's vital tackle helped India maintain a seven-point lead with three minutes remaining.

In a final push, Iran advanced higher on the mat, but Aslam Inamdar responded with two critical points to keep India firmly in control. As the clock wound down, Iran could not find a way back, and India secured a 40-34 victory, winning the gold medal and finishing their Asian Games campaign unbeaten.