India Defend Women’s Kabaddi Gold With Thrilling Win Over Iran

Defending champions overcome a spirited Iranian challenge 37-34 to secure fourth women’s Kabaddi gold at the Asian Games

Tokai, Sept 2026 : India retained the women’s Kabaddi gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 after overcoming a spirited challenge from Iran 37-34 in a thrilling final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium here on Saturday.

The victory gave India their fourth women’s Kabaddi gold medal in Asian Games history and added another top podium finish to the country’s campaign at the ongoing continental multi-sport event. Iran, the 2018 champions, pushed the defending champions throughout the contest but India held their nerve during crucial moments to emerge victorious.

The Indian team made a confident start and maintained the lead for most of the first half. The two sides were locked at 5-5 after four minutes before Iran moved ahead 6-5 following a successful ankle hold on Indian raider Sanju.

India responded strongly as the contest remained closely fought. Pooja contributed a crucial point, while the Indian defence began putting pressure on the Iranian raiders. Bhavna Devi then produced an important tackle to help India inflict the first all-out of the match and establish a 13-10 advantage.

Nikita subsequently strengthened India’s position with a multi-point raid that extended the lead to 15-10. Sanju then delivered another key contribution, collecting three points through a bonus and two additional raid points as India began to establish a cushion.

The defending champions went into the half-time break with a 22-16 lead, but Iran remained firmly in contention.

The second half witnessed an intense battle, with both teams trading points through raids and tackles. Iran gradually reduced the deficit to three points, putting pressure on the Indian defence.

India were briefly reduced to just two players on the mat, but the team responded with a crucial defensive effort to regain momentum. With 10 minutes remaining, India held a 25-20 advantage.

Iran refused to surrender and continued to challenge the Indian defence. Zahra Karimi produced several important tackles, preventing India from building an unassailable lead. The Iranian side eventually inflicted an all-out on India, with Madadi collecting two points to reduce the deficit to just one point at 27-26 with eight minutes left.

With the final entering a tense phase, India needed composure and decisive raids. Sanju once again stepped up, producing a two-point raid that helped the defending champions restore some breathing room and move 34-28 ahead.

Iran continued to fight until the final moments, but India’s defence held firm when it mattered most. Pooja added another point as the Indian team maintained its advantage and completed a 37-34 victory.

The closely contested final showcased the strength and resilience of both sides, with Iran repeatedly threatening to turn the match around. However, India’s ability to produce crucial raids and tackles at decisive moments ensured that the defending champions retained their Asian Games crown.

The gold medal also marked another significant achievement for Indian women’s Kabaddi, as the team extended its dominance in the continental competition with a fourth title.