A six-point half-time cushion proved decisive as India survived a determined Iranian comeback to complete a 37-34 victory and retain the Asian Games women’s Kabaddi title.
Key Takeaways
- India defeated Iran 37-34 to retain the women’s Kabaddi gold at Asian Games 2026.
- India led 22-16 at half-time and held off a strong Iranian fightback in the second half.
- The victory gave India its fourth women’s Kabaddi gold in Asian Games history.
India retained the women’s Kabaddi gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Iran 37-34 in a fiercely contested final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium here on Saturday.
The defending champions held their composure through a tense contest. India controlled much of the first half and established a six-point advantage before Iran launched a strong fightback after the break.
The victory gave India their fourth women’s Kabaddi gold medal in Asian Games history. It also marked the third gold medal for the Indian contingent at the ongoing Asian Games.
India Build Early Advantage
The final started with both teams locked in a close battle. The score was 5-5 after four minutes.
Iran then moved ahead 6-5 with a successful super ankle hold on India’s Sanju.
India quickly responded and continued to stay within touching distance. Pooja added a point for India as Iran was reduced to one player on the mat.
The Indian team then secured the first all-out of the match. Bhavna Devi made the crucial tackle on the Iranian raider, helping India move 13-10 ahead.
Nikita extended the advantage with a multi-point raid. Her effort gave the defending champions a 15-10 lead.
Sanju Devi then added three points through a bonus and two more points. India maintained control until the interval and went into half-time with a 22-16 lead.
Iran Launches 2nd-Half Fightback
Iran returned from the break with greater intensity. The two sides engaged in several close exchanges during raids and defensive plays.
The Iranian team gradually reduced the Indian advantage to three points.
India then faced another difficult moment with only two players remaining on the mat. The defending champions responded with a crucial tackle and moved 25-20 ahead with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Iran refused to allow India to pull away. Zahra Karimi produced important tackles and helped keep the Iranian side in contention.
The pressure eventually paid off for Iran as they inflicted an all-out on India. Madadi contributed two points during the sequence, reducing the deficit to 27-26 with eight minutes remaining.
Sanju, Pooja Seal India’s Victory
India responded when the pressure was at its highest.
Sanju produced another two-point raid to restore some breathing room for the defending champions. India moved 34-28 ahead and kept Iran from drawing level.
Pooja then added another point as India entered the closing stages with control of the contest.
Iran continued to challenge the Indian defence, but the defending champions held their nerve.
India eventually completed a 37-34 victory and successfully defended their women’s Kabaddi gold medal at the Asian Games.
The result also secured India’s fourth women’s Kabaddi gold in the history of the continental Games. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)