India Dominates Japan in Kabaddi at Asian Games 2026
India's Kabaddi Triumph Over Japan
India kicked off their men's kabaddi journey at the Asian Games 2026 with an impressive victory, defeating Japan 49-24 in their first match on Monday. Japan initially took the lead with a bonus point, but India quickly equalized through Ayan Lochhab's touch point. Following this, India seized control of the match. Ashu executed a remarkable three-point raid, and the Indian defense effectively tackled a Japanese raider, leading to another raid point that resulted in India's first all-out, establishing an 11-2 lead. Continuing their dominance, India inflicted a second all-out, extending their lead to 18-2. By halftime, India held a commanding 31-9 advantage, with Ashu and Devank excelling in raids, while Sunil Kumar and Rahul made significant contributions in defense. After the break, India maintained their strong performance, with Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, and Aslam Inamdar enhancing the team's offensive capabilities. Although Japan showed improved resistance in the second half, scoring over 20 points, India remained firmly in control, ultimately securing a decisive 49-24 victory to start their Asian Games campaign on a high note. View Match Highlights
India's Success in Other Sports
In addition to kabaddi, India had a successful day at the Asian Games 2026, earning medals in shooting and mixed martial arts, while also advancing in swimming and achieving victories in boxing, soft tennis, and table tennis. In shooting, Himanshu claimed silver and Rudrankksh took home bronze in the men's 10m air rifle individual final. Both athletes qualified for the final by finishing third and seventh, respectively, while Parth Mane placed 11th. The trio also secured silver in the team event. In mixed martial arts, Suchika Tariyal won a bronze medal after her semifinal loss to Singapore's Teo Hui Hoon in the women's traditional 60kg category. In boxing, Sumit triumphed over Thailand's Bunjong Sinsiri in the men's 70kg Round of 32, advancing further in the tournament. Soft tennis saw Aadhya Tiwari and Jay Meena achieve victories against Cambodia and Mongolia in their mixed doubles Group B matches, although they faced defeats against South Korea and the Philippines in subsequent rounds. In swimming, Srihari Nataraj progressed to the men's 50m backstroke final, with Rishabh Das as a reserve. Mani Akash and Gitesh Shah missed out on the men's 50m freestyle final, while Dhanush Suresh did not qualify for the men's 100m breaststroke final. In wushu, Nyeman Wangsu finished 15th in the women's Changquan final. In table tennis, India secured a 3-0 victory against Pakistan in the women's team Group F match, although they faced a setback in sepaktakraw, losing to Japan in the men's team regu Group B match.