Asian Games 2026: India complete kabaddi double as men, women retain gold

India completed a golden double in kabaddi at the Asian Games on Saturday as both the men’s and women’s teams successfully defended their titles with victories over Iran in the finals.

The women’s team struck first, edging Iran 37-34 in a closely contested final. India held a 22-16 lead at half-time before Iran fought back strongly in the second half, outscoring the defending champions 18-15. The first-half advantage ultimately proved decisive.

The men then matched the feat with a 40-34 victory over Iran in another tense final. The scores were level at 20-20 before India pulled ahead in the second half to secure another Asian Games gold.

The men’s triumph marked India’s ninth Asian Games gold medal in kabaddi. India had won seven consecutive titles before Iran ended that run at the 2018 Jakarta Games, where India finished fourth. The men reclaimed the crown at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.

India’s women have now won gold at every Asian Games edition except 2018. They took silver in Jakarta after losing the final to Iran.

Following the double triumph, the Indian men’s team completed a victory lap around the arena and chanted ‘Vande Mataram’ as the celebrations continued.