"Hard work finally paid off": Kabaddi captain Pushpa Rana after gold in Asian Games 2026
Captain Pushpa Rana celebrates as India's women's kabaddi team defends their title with a thrilling 37-34 victory over Iran at the Asian Games 2026.
The Indian women's kabaddi team has once again asserted its dominance on the continental stage, clinching a spectacular gold medal at the Asian Games 2026. In a high-octane final held on Saturday, India successfully defended their title by defeating a resilient Iran side with a score of 37-34, mirroring their historic success from the Hangzhou edition.
A Grueling Journey to Glory
Speaking on the monumental achievement, team captain Pushpa Rana reflected on the intense preparation that paved the way for this victory. She emphasized that the gold medal was not merely a result of luck, but the culmination of relentless effort and strategic planning.
"It has been a very challenging journey. We have worked hard for this achievement for a long time, and today that hard work has finally paid off. We have been training throughout the year, with intensive camps for the last two to three months," Rana stated.
Rana further credited the coaching staff and the broader support system, noting that the dedication shown by the coaches during both local and national camps was instrumental in reaching this pinnacle of success.
Nerves of Steel in the Final Minutes
The final against Iran was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both sides trading heavy blows in a tightly contested match. As the clock ticked down, the tension reached a breaking point. With only one minute remaining, Iran launched a desperate offensive to bridge the gap and stay in the hunt for the title.
However, the Indian defense remained unshakable. In the most critical moment of the match, the Indian defenders executed a decisive tackle on Iran's Aynaz, effectively neutralizing the threat and sealing the victory. This tactical brilliance allowed India to maintain their lead and secure the 37-34 win.
A Collective Triumph
While the players took the spotlight, the victory was hailed as a collaborative effort involving various sporting institutions. Team member Jyoti Thakur highlighted the importance of the infrastructure and the belief placed in the athletes by the governing bodies.
Thakur expressed deep gratitude to the following entities for their role in the gold medal win:
- SAI Dharamshala: For providing top-tier facilities and a superior training environment.
- The Federation: For their unwavering belief in the squad and providing ample opportunities to represent the nation.
- Support Staff: For their tireless contribution to the team's preparation.
"This medal is a result of everyone’s contribution," Thakur remarked, underscoring that the success belongs to the entire ecosystem that supports Indian kabaddi.