Asian Games 2026: India beat Iran to win women’s kabaddi gold

Mangalore Today News Network

Nagoya, Sep 26, 2026: India continued their dominance in kabaddi at the Asian Games as the women’s team defeated Iran 37-34 in a thrilling final on Saturday to clinch the gold medal.

India led 22-16 at half-time, but Iran fought back strongly in the second half, outscoring India 18-15. However, the first-half deficit proved decisive as India held on to secure the title.

After the victory, the Indian team took a lap of honour around the arena and chanted “Vande Mataram.”

India’s women have now won the Asian Games kabaddi gold in every edition except the 2018 Jakarta Games, where they settled for silver after losing to Iran.

The Indian men’s team will have an opportunity to complete a golden double later on Saturday when they face Iran in the men’s final.

India have traditionally dominated kabaddi at the Asian Games, with the men’s and women’s teams winning gold in all but one edition. The Indian men had won seven consecutive gold medals before their streak ended at Jakarta 2018, where Iran won the title and India finished fourth.

India bounced back at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, reclaiming the men’s kabaddi gold.