New Delhi: India continued its dominance in kabaddi at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Iran 40-34 in the men’s final on Saturday to win the gold medal.
The victory gave the Indian men’s kabaddi team its ninth Asian Games gold. India have won the men’s kabaddi gold at every Asian Games except the 2018 edition in Jakarta, when Iran won the title and India settled for bronze.
India remained unbeaten throughout its campaign. The team topped its group after defeating Japan, Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh and South Korea. India then beat Thailand 66-28 in the semi-final to secure a place in the final.
Women’s team also wins gold
India’s women’s kabaddi team also defeated Iran 37-34 to win the gold medal. The women remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
With both teams winning their respective finals, India secured gold medals in both the men’s and women’s kabaddi events at the 2026 Asian Games.
India’s men’s kabaddi record
Men’s kabaddi has been part of the Asian Games since 1990. India have now won gold at nine of the 10 editions held so far.
India also won the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
