India Defeats Iran 40-34 to Retain Men's Kabaddi Gold
India staged a massive second-half comeback to beat Iran 40-34, securing the men's kabaddi gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.
The Indian men's kabaddi team has once again asserted its dominance on the continental stage, staging a spectacular second-half turnaround to defeat Iran 40-34. This victory at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, ensures that India retains its prestigious gold medal in the men's kabaddi competition.
A Dramatic Turnaround in Aichi-Nagoya
The final was a tale of two halves. For much of the first period, the Indian side struggled to find their rhythm, trailing Iran 17-18 at the halftime break. The Iranian side appeared to have the upper hand, keeping the defending champions on the back foot in a tightly contested opening session.
However, the momentum shifted entirely once the players returned to the mat for the second half. India emerged with renewed aggression and intensity, systematically dismantling the Iranian defense to take complete control of the match. Unlike the nail-biting finish seen in the 2023 edition, the Indian men established a commanding lead in this final, leaving their opponents with very little room to mount a comeback.
Key Performers Steer India to Victory
The second-half surge was fueled by exceptional individual performances. Two names stood out as the architects of India's success:
- Sumit: Played a pivotal role in stabilizing the team's performance.
- Arjun Deshwal: Provided the necessary firepower to pull away from the Iranian challengers.
Their combined efforts allowed the Indian squad to maintain composure and see out the contest, adding another chapter to India's storied legacy in international kabaddi.
A Golden Day for Indian Kabaddi
The men's victory was part of a historic Saturday for India's kabaddi contingent. Earlier in the day, the women's kabaddi team also secured gold, marking India's third gold medal of the 2026 Games.
The women's final against Iran was a much more frantic affair. In a high-stakes battle, the Indian women emerged victorious with a 37-34 scoreline. The match reached a fever pitch in the final minute, with Iran desperately searching for points to level the score. However, the Indian defense remained unshakable, executing a critical tackle on Aynaz in the closing moments to seal the win and defend their Hangzhou title.
With both the men's and women's teams standing atop the podium, India has once again proven itself to be the undisputed powerhouse of Asian kabaddi.