India’s men’s kabaddi team secured its ninth Asian Games gold medal after defeating Iran 40-34 in a thrilling final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Aichi on Friday.
The Indian team had to fight back after trailing 17-18 at half-time, but a strong defensive display in the second half helped India take control of the contest and seal the gold medal.
India have now won the men’s kabaddi title at nine of the 10 Asian Games editions in which the sport has been contested. Iran’s victory at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games remains the only occasion when India failed to finish on top.
India and Iran trade blows in first half
The final began at a fast pace, with both teams producing strong tackles and raids. Iran briefly reduced India to just two players and took a 9-7 lead before Jaideep Dahiya produced an important super tackle on Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh.
India continued to stay within touching distance, although the team struggled to get more than three players on the mat at several stages.
Iran eventually secured the first all-out of the match through a two-point raid from Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh. Despite the setback, India stayed in the contest.
Arjun Deshwal then produced an impressive raid, while India’s defence managed to stop Shadloui Chiyaneh, helping the team move ahead 16-14.
Iran responded strongly before the break. A three-man super tackle helped them regain the advantage, and Zafar Danesh continued to make an impact with both his raiding and defensive contributions. Iran entered half-time with an 18-17 lead.
Sumit inspires India’s second-half comeback
India came out with greater intensity after the interval. Iran initially pushed India down to three players, but a successful super tackle followed by a successful raid from Aslam Inamdar shifted the momentum.
India began putting pressure on the Iranian defence and eventually reduced their opponents to just two players.
Iran captain Fazel Atrachali and Omid Khojastehmohammadshah briefly stopped India’s momentum with a super tackle on Arjun Deshwal. However, India’s defence responded collectively to secure their first all-out of the match.
That turned the game in India’s favour as they opened a 29-24 lead.
Sumit was central to India’s turnaround, producing several crucial tackles at key moments. His defensive work prevented Iran from making a sustained comeback and allowed India to maintain their advantage.
Shadloui continued to collect touch points for Iran, but India’s raiders kept adding to the scoreboard. With only two minutes remaining, India had built a seven-point advantage and successfully managed the closing stages.
India eventually completed a 40-34 victory to reclaim the Asian Games men’s kabaddi crown.
Asian Games 2026 kabaddi tournament
The men’s kabaddi competition at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games featured 10 teams divided into two groups.
India were placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, the Republic of Korea, Chinese Taipei and hosts Japan. Group B consisted of Iran, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan and Malaysia.
The top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals. Thailand and Chinese Taipei secured the bronze medals after losing their respective semi-final matches.
With their victory over Iran, India added another Asian Games kabaddi gold to their record and extended their dominance in the continental competition.
