Asian Games 2026: Indian women's kabaddi team clinch gold by defeating Iran in thrilling final
Women’s kabaddi team secure India’s third gold medal at the Asian Games 2026.
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The Indian women’s kabaddi team successfully defended their Asian Games title with a 37–34 win over Iran in the gold medal match at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium on Saturday, sealing back-to-back golds and India’s third gold medal at the Asian Games 2026.
Unlike India’s more routine outings through the tournament, this final was a genuine contest from start to finish. India edged the raiding exchanges 26 out points to 21, but Iran hit back hard on bonus points, picking up eight to India’s six, keeping the tie in the balance deep into the second half.
India took the first half 22-16, built on 16 out points, three bonus points and one All-Out, both of which came in India’s favour after the sides were locked toe-to-toe before India forced the match’s first All-Out. Iran stayed within range through the half courtesy of seven bonus points but couldn’t convert that into scoreboard pressure before the break.
Iran came out swinging after the restart, outscoring India 18–15 in the second half and closing the gap to a single point at 27–26 after Iran converted an All-Out opportunity in their favour.
But India held their nerve under pressure: Sanju Devi’s super raid swung momentum back in India’s favour, before captain Pushpa Rana sealed an All-Out of her own to restore breathing room.
Pooja then capitalised on visible uncertainty in the Iranian defence to further extend the lead. Iran refused to fold, chipping away with a Super Tackle as well as 14 out points in the half, but it wasn’t enough to deny India at the finish.
With the win, India retain their Asian Games women’s kabaddi crown, extending their gold medal streak and closing out the campaign with the country’s third gold of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games.
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