AICHI-NAGOYA: India’s women’s kabaddi team delivered a thrilling performance on September 26, defeating Iran in a closely fought final to win the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games and successfully defend its continental title.
India prevailed 37-34 in the medal decider, holding its nerve during a tense closing phase as Iran mounted a late fightback. With just a minute remaining, India’s defence produced a crucial tackle on Aynaz, effectively shutting down Iran’s hopes of a comeback.
The triumph marked India’s fourth women’s kabaddi gold at the Asian Games, following title-winning campaigns in 2010, 2014 and 2022. India had finished runners-up in 2018.
India holds its nerve when it matters
The final turned into a battle of resilience as both sides fought for every point. Iran continued to press in the closing minutes, but India’s defence stood firm when the pressure was at its highest.
Sanju Devi, one of India’s standout performers during the tournament, once again played a key role as the Indian side resisted Iran’s challenge and protected its lead.
India entered the final as defending champions after winning the women’s kabaddi title at the Hangzhou Asian Games. The latest victory underlined the team’s continued dominance in the continental competition.
Gold pushes India’s medal tally to 27
The kabaddi triumph added another gold to a productive September 26, morning for the Indian contingent.
Before the women’s kabaddi final, Sawan Barwal won silver in the men’s marathon with a time of 2:11:37, ending India’s 44-year wait for a medal in the event at the Asian Games.
India also secured silver in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions team event, with Ashi Chouksey, Tilottama Sen and Vidarsa Vinod finishing second. Tilottama and Vidarsa subsequently progressed to the individual final.
In squash, Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar claimed bronze in mixed doubles after their semifinal defeat to Hong Kong’s Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong. The women’s kabaddi gold took India’s tally to 27 medals three gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze, with India placed 12th in the standings at the time of the report.
Men’s kabaddi team next
India’s golden challenge on the kabaddi mat is not over yet. The Indian men’s kabaddi team will face Iran later on September 26 in the men’s gold-medal match. Like the women’s team, the men entered the Games as defending champions.
