India beat Iran in both Asian Games kabaddi finals to retain men's and women's titles
The men came from behind at half-time to win 40-34; the women held on for a 37-34 victory.
· 1 min read
India retained both kabaddi titles at the 2026 Asian Games, beating Iran 40-34 in the men's final after trailing at half-time and 37-34 in the women's final.
Key takeaways
- India's men beat Iran 40-34 after trailing 17-18 at half-time.
- India's women beat Iran 37-34 to retain the title won in Hangzhou.
- Both tournaments were held at Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture.
- Iran took both silver medals.
India kept hold of both kabaddi titles at the 2026 Asian Games, beating Iran in the men's and women's finals at Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture.
Men recover from half-time deficit
The men's final was close for a long time. India trailed 17-18 at the break but took over in the second half to win 40-34. Sumit and Arjun Deshwal were central to the turnaround.
Women hold their nerve
The women's final was even tighter. India won 37-34, and a key tackle on Iran's Aynaz with about a minute left helped settle the result. The win retained the title India's women won at the previous Games in Hangzhou.
Podium
Men: gold India, silver Iran, bronze Thailand and Chinese Taipei.
Women: gold India, silver Iran, bronze Nepal and Chinese Taipei.
Kabaddi has been part of every Asian Games since 1990. Several of the gold medallists now head into domestic competition, including the Kabaddi Champions League player auction.
Sources
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