Defending champions dominate Japan in their opening Group match; Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal lead the attack
Nagoya, September 2026 : Defending champions India began their men’s kabaddi title defence in emphatic fashion, defeating hosts Japan 49-24 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture on Monday.
Asian Games debutants Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal and Ashu Malik played key roles in India’s attacking display as the team established control early and maintained its advantage throughout the contest.
India will face South Korea in their second Group match on Tuesday. The top two teams from each Group will advance to the semi-finals.
India made an explosive start against Japan, racing to an 18-2 lead after inflicting two all-outs on the hosts. Raider Ashu Malik was at the centre of the early onslaught, producing a three-point Super Raid that helped India build a substantial advantage.
The defending champions continued to dominate during the opening half, adding another all-out to take a commanding 31-9 lead into the break. Ashu led the attack with his effective raids, while Rahul Sethpal provided solidity in defence as India kept Japan under sustained pressure.
Japan struggled to find consistent opportunities to score, with bonus points accounting for a significant portion of their total. India’s defence restricted the hosts’ raiders and prevented them from establishing any sustained momentum.
India continued their aggressive approach after the restart and quickly inflicted another all-out on Japan, extending their lead to 40-12.
Japan subsequently showed greater resistance and managed to outscore India during the latter stages of the match, reducing the margin of defeat. However, the early damage had already put the result beyond doubt, and India comfortably closed out their opening victory.
The win marks a positive beginning to India’s campaign as they seek to retain the Asian Games men’s kabaddi crown.
India are the most successful nation in Asian Games kabaddi history, having won 11 of the 13 gold medals contested so far. The men’s team has claimed eight gold medals from nine editions, with their only failure to win the title coming at Jakarta 2018, where they finished with bronze.
The Indian women’s team has also enjoyed considerable success, winning three gold medals and one silver.
Japan, meanwhile, recorded their best Asian Games men’s kabaddi result at Guangzhou 2010, when they won the bronze medal.
India will now turn their attention to South Korea, with another strong performance needed to strengthen their position in the Group and keep their title defence on course.
