India's Women's Kabaddi Team Clinches Gold Amid Controversy at Asian Games 2026

Historic Victory for India's Women's Kabaddi Team

On Saturday, September 26, at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, the Indian women's kabaddi team successfully defended their gold medal by defeating Iran in a thrilling final.

Under the leadership of Pushpa Rana, the team secured India's fourth gold in five editions of the Asian Games, showcasing remarkable resilience against a strong second-half comeback from Iran. The Women in Blue maintained their composure in the final moments to clinch the victory.

This win marks the third gold medal and the overall 27th medal for India at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, further solidifying their dominance in the sport.

Controversy Arises from Sideline Footage

Following the intense match, a controversy emerged when footage surfaced showing Iranian kabaddi officials on the sidelines. During the final, some officials were seen closely monitoring the game from the bench.

A viral video captured an Iranian official using a mobile phone while the match was in progress, raising eyebrows among commentators and viewers alike. Additionally, an Iranian player was spotted filming the action from the restricted technical zone.

This incident has prompted discussions about compliance with tournament regulations and the integrity of the competition.

Questions on Smartphone Use in Technical Areas

The sight of an Iranian kabaddi player using a smartphone during the match has sparked inquiries regarding the rules governing technical areas in kabaddi tournaments.

The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) outlines regulations for the sport, but it does not explicitly prohibit smartphone use by team officials in the technical area during matches.

The Asian Games adhere to the rules set by the Olympic Council of Africa/Asia (OCA), which means that the IKF's regulations, along with any specific rules for the Asian Games, are applicable.