India’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams clinched gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, after defeating Iran in their respective finals on September 26. The women’s team defeated Iran 37-34 in a closely contested encounter to defend its title, while the men’s team secured a 40-34 victory to complete a golden double for India.
The victories highlighted the country’s continued presence in the sport at the continental level, with both teams overcoming a determined Iranian challenge to secure the top spot on the podium. The women’s triumph marked their fourth Asian Games gold medal, while the men’s victory added another title to India’s kabaddi legacy. The double gold achievement also underlined the importance of teamwork, discipline and composure in high-pressure competitions.
Women Defend Their Title
India’s women’s kabaddi team faced a determined Iranian side in the final, with both teams competing for the gold medal in a closely fought contest. The Indian team established a 22-16 lead at half-time, using a combination of effective raids and disciplined defensive play to keep Iran under pressure. However, Iran responded strongly after the break, narrowing the deficit and making the contest increasingly competitive.
The Iranian team, which had won the women’s kabaddi gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. A raid by Iran’s Atena Madadi brought the score closer, putting India’s defence under pressure. India responded through crucial contributions from its raiders and defenders, with Sanju Devi producing a two-point raid to help restore the team’s advantage.
Captain Rani Pushpa Rana also played a key role in maintaining India’s lead during the closing stages. Despite Iran’s efforts to turn the match around, India held its nerve to secure a 37-34 victory and retain the women’s kabaddi title. The win marked India’s fourth gold medal in the women’s competition since kabaddi was introduced at the Asian Games in 2010.
Men Complete Golden Double
India’s men’s kabaddi team also defeated Iran in the final, winning 40-34 to secure the gold medal and complete a double triumph for the country. The victory followed a competitive encounter against a strong Iranian side, with India maintaining its composure and delivering a determined performance to finish at the top of the podium. The men’s team’s win, alongside the women’s victory, ensured that India claimed both kabaddi gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games.
The men’s final added another chapter to the longstanding rivalry between India and Iran in international kabaddi. Both nations have established themselves as major contenders in the sport, regularly competing for titles at continental and global events. India’s victory demonstrated the team’s ability to manage pressure and execute its strategy against a challenging opponent.
The 40-34 scoreline reflected a competitive contest in which India ultimately secured a six-point margin. With both teams defeating Iran in their respective finals, the results highlighted the depth of Indian kabaddi and the efforts of athletes representing the country on the continental stage.
India’s Kabaddi Legacy
Kabaddi has been a significant part of India’s sporting identity, with the country enjoying a long history of success in the discipline. The women’s team won gold at the 2010 Guangzhou, 2014 Incheon and 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, while Iran claimed the title in 2018. The 2026 victory restored India’s winning position in the women’s competition and extended its record to four gold medals. The men’s team has also enjoyed considerable success at the Asian Games, making the sport an important contributor to India’s medal tally over the years.
The double gold achievement in Aichi-Nagoya comes amid growing attention towards kabaddi as a competitive sport, both in India and internationally. The emergence of professional leagues and increased visibility for athletes have helped bring the game to wider audiences. Women’s kabaddi, in particular, has gained recognition through international competitions and domestic platforms, offering more opportunities for female athletes to participate at higher levels.
The victories against Iran also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the sport, with both teams demonstrating the importance of tactical awareness, physical endurance and teamwork. India’s success in both finals reinforced the country’s standing in kabaddi while showcasing the efforts of athletes who have contributed to the sport’s development.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s double gold victory in kabaddi is a celebration of perseverance, teamwork and the determination of athletes who represent the country on the international stage. The women’s team’s successful title defence and the men’s team’s triumph reflect the importance of sustained effort, discipline and collective responsibility in achieving sporting success. At the same time, Iran’s spirited performances in both finals deserve recognition, as competitive sport is built on mutual respect and the willingness to challenge one another fairly.
The victories also offer an opportunity to encourage greater participation in kabaddi, particularly among young people and women who may not always have access to structured sporting opportunities. Supporting grassroots programmes, improving training facilities and ensuring equal opportunities for athletes can help strengthen the future of Indian sport. Beyond medals, sporting achievements can foster unity, mutual respect and a shared sense of pride across communities. How can India build on this kabaddi double gold achievement to inspire more young people, especially girls, to take up sports and pursue their ambitions?
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Double Gold by our Kabaddi champions! 🥇🇮🇳
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) September 26, 2026
India’s Kabaddi teams, both Women & Men, bring home Gold at #AsianGames2026 pic.twitter.com/o2sUZPRnLO
