Sonali Shingate Celebrates Asian Games Gold with Emotional Dedication

A Historic Victory for Indian Kabaddi

Sonali Vishnu Shingate, an Indian kabaddi player, expressed her overwhelming joy after winning gold at the Asian Games, dedicating the achievement to her family. The women's team clinched the title by defeating Iran 37-34 in a thrilling final on Saturday. For Sonali, this gold medal was particularly significant as it marked the end of a long wait for an Asian Games title, following her silver medal win in 2018. Unfortunately, she was unable to compete in the Hangzhou Asian Games due to an injury.

A Moment of Pride and Joy

Following the victory, Sonali shared her emotions, stating, "This is a moment filled with happiness and pride. Every athlete dreams of representing their nation and winning a gold medal. While I have participated in many competitions, this is especially meaningful for the newcomers on the team. They are experiencing this joy for the first time." She added, "I have previously won gold in the World Cup and other championships, but this Asian Games gold has been a long-awaited dream. Winning silver in 2018 and now gold in 2026 is beyond words for me."

Defensive Strategy Secures the Win

The final match was fiercely contested, with Iran pushing India to their limits. However, the Indian team maintained their composure in the final moments, securing their third gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. A pivotal tackle by India's defense on Aynaz prevented Iran from staging a late comeback. Sonali remarked, "Winning a gold medal at the Asian Games is a dream for every Indian, and we have fulfilled that dream today."

Dedication to Family and Self

Sonali dedicated her medal not only to her family but also to herself, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her career. "I want to dedicate this medal to myself and my family. Every athlete endures hardships and perseveres. My family has always encouraged me to practice and rest, and their support has been invaluable," she stated.

Call for Women's Pro Kabaddi League

In addition to celebrating her victory, Sonali advocated for more opportunities for women in kabaddi. She proposed the establishment of a women's league similar to the Pro Kabaddi League to enhance the sport's growth. "The government has already shown support for kabaddi at the international level. A women's league would greatly benefit female players, increase professionalism, and attract more talent. It would also elevate the profile of women's kabaddi. I urge the authorities to prioritize this initiative and launch a women's kabaddi league soon," she emphasized.

Coach Reflects on Sonali's Journey

Rajesh Padave, Sonali's coach, praised her remarkable comeback journey, recalling her injury that kept her from the Hangzhou Games. "It is a proud moment for the women's team to win gold. Following our cricket team's gold, the kabaddi team has also achieved this milestone. I congratulate the entire team on this significant accomplishment," he said. Padave recounted their conversation before the last Asian Games, where Sonali chose to focus on her recovery rather than compete while injured. "She made a tough decision to prioritize her health, and her hard work has paid off with this gold medal. We are immensely proud of her dedication and success."

India's Medal Tally at Aichi-Nagoya

With this victory, India retained the women's kabaddi gold from the previous Asian Games, bringing their total medal count at Aichi-Nagoya to 27, which includes three gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze medals.