Tokai: The Indian women’s kabaddi team successfully defended its gold medal at the Asian Games 2026, defeating 2018 champions Iran 37-34 in a thrilling final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium on Saturday.
With the victory, India won its fourth women’s kabaddi gold medal in Asian Games history and secured the title for the second consecutive edition.
India Takes Control in First Half
India started the final strongly and maintained control for much of the opening half. Iran, however, continued to put pressure on the defending champions.
The match began on an even note, with both teams level at 5-5 after four minutes. Iran then moved ahead 6-5 after securing an ankle hold on Sanju.
India responded by collecting points consistently. A successful tackle by Bhavana Devi helped India register the first all-out and take a 13-10 lead.
Nikita then produced a multi-point raid to extend India’s advantage to 15-10. Sanju Devi also contributed a bonus point and two additional points as India strengthened its position.
India went into the break with a 22-16 lead.
Iran Fights Back in Second Half
Iran came out strongly after the break and began reducing India’s advantage. With 10 minutes remaining, India was still ahead 25-20.
Iran then continued to score and narrowed the gap to 27-26, putting the Indian team under pressure.
India responded through Sanju Devi, whose two-point raid helped the team regain control and extend the lead to 34-28.
India Holds Its Nerve to Win Gold
Pooja added another point as India moved closer to victory. The Indian defence then held firm during the closing stages of the match.
India eventually secured a 37-34 victory over Iran to win the women’s kabaddi gold medal and successfully defend its title.
