India’s women’s Kabaddi team defended its Asian Games gold medal with a thrilling 37-34 victory over Iran in the 2026 final, securing the country’s fourth women’s Kabaddi gold in Asian Games history after a closely fought contest.
India’s women’s Kabaddi team successfully defended its Asian Games gold medal after defeating Iran 37-34 in a thrilling final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium on Saturday. The victory secured India’s fourth women’s Kabaddi gold medal in Asian Games history and marked another major achievement for the Indian contingent at the ongoing Asian Games 2026.
The Indian team entered the final determined to retain the title but faced a strong Iranian side, which had previously won the women’s Kabaddi gold medal in 2018. The contest remained competitive throughout, with Iran repeatedly challenging India’s lead. However, the defending champions maintained their composure during crucial moments to eventually seal a three-point victory.
India started the match cautiously, with both teams level at 5-5 after four minutes. Iran then moved ahead 6-5 following a successful super ankle hold on Indian raider Sanju Devi. The closely fought battle continued as both sides exchanged points and looked for opportunities to gain an advantage.
India gradually established control in the first half. Pooja contributed an important point while Iran was reduced to one player. The Indian defence then produced the first all-out of the match when Bhavna Devi successfully tackled the Iranian raider, helping India move ahead 13-10.
Nikita subsequently strengthened India’s position with a multi-point raid that extended the advantage to 15-10. Sanju Devi then delivered another important contribution, collecting three points through a bonus and two additional points. India carried the momentum into the break with a 22-16 lead.
The second half brought renewed pressure from Iran. The Iranian players increased their intensity and gradually reduced India’s advantage. With 10 minutes remaining, India found itself with only two players on the mat. The Indian defence responded strongly with a crucial tackle, allowing the defending champions to maintain a 25-20 lead.
Iran continued to fight back and refused to allow India to establish a comfortable cushion. Zahra Karimi made several important defensive contributions, while Iran eventually inflicted an all-out on India. Madadi added two points to reduce the deficit further, leaving India with a narrow 27-26 advantage with eight minutes remaining.
The pressure continued to mount as both teams battled for every point. India, however, produced another decisive response through Sanju Devi, who registered a two-point raid to help the defending champions regain some breathing room at 34-28.
Pooja then added another valuable point as India maintained its composure during the closing stages. Despite Iran’s persistent challenge, the Indian players held their nerve and protected their lead until the final whistle.
India eventually secured a 37-34 victory, completing a successful defence of its women’s Kabaddi title. The triumph also brought India its fourth women’s Kabaddi gold medal in Asian Games history. For the Indian team, the victory reflected a combination of effective raiding, determined defence and composure under pressure in one of the most closely contested finals of the tournament.
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The win also added another gold medal to India’s campaign at the 2026 Asian Games, with the women’s Kabaddi team emerging victorious against a determined Iranian side that pushed the defending champions throughout the final.
