THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
AICHI-NAGOYA,
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
India produced
another memorable chapter in its Asian Games kabaddi history on Saturday,
completing a golden double as both the men’s and women’s teams successfully
defended their titles with hard-fought victories over Iran in the finals.
The Indian men held
their nerve in a fiercely contested summit clash to defeat Iran 40-34 and
retain the gold medal. Earlier in the day, the women had also overcome the same
opponents, prevailing 37-34 in a gripping final.
The men’s final lived
up to its billing as a battle between two of Asia’s kabaddi powerhouses. With
neither side willing to yield an inch, the scores were locked at 20-20 at one
stage. India, however, raised its game at the crucial juncture, seized the initiative
and held on to secure yet another Asian Games crown.
The triumph also
reaffirmed India’s enduring presence at the top of Asian kabaddi. The men had
won seven consecutive Asian Games gold medals before Iran ended that remarkable
run at the 2018 Jakarta Games, where India finished fourth. The Indian side
returned to the summit at Hangzhou in 2023 and has now successfully retained
the crown.
Saturday’s victory
gave India its ninth men’s kabaddi gold medal in Asian Games history.
The women’s final was
no less dramatic. India established a 22-16 lead by half-time, but Iran mounted
a spirited fightback after the break, taking the second half 18-15. The Indian
advantage from the opening period, however, proved decisive as the team kept
its composure to complete a thrilling 37-34 victory.
The celebrations were equally spirited. Following the final whistle, the Indian players took a victory lap around the arena before joining in a rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’, bringing an emotional finish to a day of double delight.
For the Indian women, the gold also continued a remarkable Asian Games record. They have now won the title at every edition except the 2018 Jakarta Games, where they had to settle for silver after losing to Iran.
