Indian Women's Kabaddi Team Clinches Gold at Asian Games 2026

Victory at the Asian Games

The Indian women's kabaddi team has successfully retained their gold medal at the Asian Games, triumphing over Iran with a score of 37-34 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on Saturday, September 26.

Under the leadership of Pushpa Rana, the team showcased resilience, overcoming a challenging match where Iran attempted to close the gap after trailing in the first half. The defending champions held their composure to secure the win.

India dominated the group stage, achieving victories against Iran, Bangladesh, and the host nation Japan in Group A, followed by a semifinal win over Nepal, marking their fifth consecutive final appearance at the Asian Games.

India's Kabaddi Legacy

India has been a pioneer in promoting kabaddi, elevating it to a global sport since its introduction to the Asian Games in 1990. The men's event has become a key feature in international multi-sport competitions.

The women's kabaddi event debuted in 2010, with India winning the inaugural gold medal at the Guangzhou Games. Since then, the team has consistently reached the finals, with their only loss occurring in 2018 against Iran.

After reclaiming the gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, the team successfully defended their title against Iran in Aichi-Nagoya.

Achievements of the Indian Women's Kabaddi Team

The Indian women's kabaddi team has established itself as a formidable force in multi-sport events, securing four gold medals in five Asian Games appearances, reflecting the nation's rich legacy and talent in the sport.

In addition to their Asian Games success, they have won two World Cups in 2012 and 2025, five gold medals at the Asian Kabaddi Championships, four at the South Asian Games, and five consecutive golds at the Asian Beach Games.

The team also claimed three gold medals at the Circle World Cup, further asserting their dominance in various international formats. They are set to compete in the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championships in October, hosted in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as part of their push for inclusion in the 2030 Commonwealth Games.