Indian Women's Kabaddi Team Triumphs at Asian Games 2026
Indian Women's Kabaddi Team Continues Winning Streak
The Indian women's kabaddi squad maintained its impressive performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, securing a 37-23 victory against Iran in their group-stage encounter on Wednesday. Although India started slowly and trailed 9-11 at halftime, they rallied back to lead 19-15 by the end of the first half. Key contributions came from Bhavna Devi, who executed crucial tackles, and Pooja, who scored vital points to help India take control of the match.
In the second half, India extended its advantage, ultimately winning 37-23. This victory marks the second consecutive win for the Indian team in the women's kabaddi event, following their earlier triumph over Bangladesh with a score of 42-21. The Indian women are set to face Japan next on Thursday.
Medals in Shooting and Soft Tennis; Progress in Other Sports
On another note, India clinched a medal in shooting and is assured of another in soft tennis, while athletes showcased commendable performances in rowing, canoe sprint, and table tennis during a thrilling day at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.
Shooting: Women's Skeet Team Wins Bronze
The Indian women's skeet team, consisting of Raiza Dhillon, Parinaaz Dhaliwal, and Maheshwari Chauhan, secured a bronze medal by finishing third in the team event with a total score of 331. China took home the gold with 346 points, while Kazakhstan earned the silver.
Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker finished fifth in the women's 10m air pistol individual final after reaching the medal round, while Suruchi Inder Singh and Esha Singh did not qualify for the final.
Soft Tennis: Jay Meena Assures Historic Medal
In soft tennis, Jay Meena guaranteed India its first-ever Asian Games medal in the sport by defeating Sherwin Nuguit from the Philippines in a thrilling men's singles quarter-final, winning 4-3 to advance to the semi-finals, where all participants are assured of a medal.
Rowing and Canoe Sprint: Indians Advance
India also made significant strides in rowing events. Balraj Panwar qualified for the men's single sculls final after finishing third in his heat, while Satnam Singh and Salman Khan advanced to the men's double sculls final by securing second place in their heat.
The men's kayak four 500m team, comprising Harshwardhan Shaktawat, Varinder Singh, L Naocha Singh Oinam, and Arun Singh, qualified for the canoe sprint final after finishing third in Heat 1. Megha Pradeep progressed to the women's canoe single 200m semi-final, while Parvathy Geetha and Phairembam Soniya Devi qualified for the women's kayak double 500m semi-final.
In rowing, Gurbani Kaur, Aleena Anto, Tendenthoi Haobijam, and Poonam finished sixth overall in the women's four heats, securing a spot in Final A. Jaswinder Singh and Nitin Kumar finished fourth in the men's pair heats and will compete in Final B.
Swimming: Disappointment in Heats
In swimming events, Benedicton Beniston placed 13th overall in the men's 100m butterfly heats, while Sajan Prakash did not participate. Vedaant Madhavan and Aneesh Sunil were unable to advance from the men's 200m freestyle heats, finishing 19th and 17th, respectively.
Table Tennis: Mixed Doubles Pairs Advance
Indian players also achieved victories in mixed doubles table tennis. Harmeet Desai and Yashaswini Ghorpade triumphed over Maldives' Mohamed Ismail and Fathimath Ali, while Manush Shah and Diya Chitale defeated Sri Lanka's Chanul Kulappuwawadu and Bimandee Swarna.
Sepaktakraw: India Beats Philippines but Exits
In sepaktakraw, India managed to defeat the Philippines 2-1 in the men's team regu Group B match but failed to qualify for the next stage.