'We want to go to Olympics': India clinches Asian Games Kabaddi Gold
India defends its kabaddi title with a thrilling 40-34 victory over Iran at the 2026 Asian Games. Read about the players' Olympic dreams.
The Indian men's kabaddi team has once again asserted its dominance on the continental stage, securing a spectacular gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. In a high-octane final held at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Saturday, India defeated arch-rivals Iran with a score of 40-34, successfully defending their title and marking their ninth gold medal in the sport at the Asian Games.
A Thrilling Battle at Tokai Citizens Gymnasium
The final was a fiercely contested encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. India managed to maintain their composure throughout the match, navigating through intense pressure to finish the tournament with an unbeaten record. The victory was built on a foundation of clinical raiding and impenetrable defense.
Key contributors to the win included:
- Arjun Deshwal and Devank Dalal: Led the offensive charge with powerful raids.
- Sumit and Jaideep: Provided critical defensive interventions that halted Iran's momentum.
As the clock wound down, Iran struggled to find a way to bridge the gap, allowing India to seal the 40-34 victory and claim the top spot on the podium.
Olympic Dreams and Personal Tributes
Following the historic win, gold medallist Jaideep shared his immense joy, noting that while the weight of national expectation was present, the team remained focused on their comeback. He expressed a much larger ambition for the squad beyond the Asian stage.
"I am very happy to win a gold medal for my country. It was every player's dream... We want to go to the Olympics and make our country proud in the Olympics," Jaideep told ANI.
In a touching moment, Jaideep dedicated his hard-earned medal to his brother, acknowledging the personal support that helped him reach this milestone.
A Victory for the Entire Nation
Teammate Devank echoed the sentiments of pride and gratitude, attributing the success to the collective effort of the squad and the guidance of the leadership. He highlighted the importance of the trust placed in him by the coaching staff and the captain.
"The whole team is overjoyed with how well we performed; winning gold was crucial for India... I would like to dedicate this gold medal to the entire nation of India, as everyone back home was pinning their hopes on us," Devank stated.
With this unbeaten campaign, the Indian kabaddi team has not only defended its crown but has also sent a clear message to the world about its rising aspirations for the Olympic Games.