India’s men’s kabaddi team became the first side to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2026 Asian Games after a commanding 48-25 victory over Bangladesh, while the women’s team produced an impressive comeback to defeat Iran 37-23 in one of the tournament’s most anticipated group-stage contests.
Both Indian teams were in action at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Wednesday, and both extended their unbeaten starts. The men have now won all three of their Group A matches, while the women improved to two victories from two outings.
India Recover After Iran’s Bright Start
The women’s clash carried extra significance, with Iran remaining the only nation to have denied India the Asian Games gold medal. Iran famously defeated India in the 2018 Jakarta final, while India have claimed the title in every other edition of the women’s competition.
Iran looked capable of causing another upset after making the stronger start and moving into an 11-9 lead during the opening half.
India gradually found their rhythm through the raiding of Pooja, while Bhavna Devi produced several important tackles to halt Iran’s momentum. The defending champions turned the contest around before the interval and carried a 19-15 advantage into half-time.
India completely controlled the second half, outscoring Iran 18-8 to secure a convincing 37-23 victory.
Seven of India’s points came through bonus raids, while two All-Outs added another four points to their tally. Iran collected six bonus points but struggled to consistently break down India’s defence.
Iran briefly threatened another comeback when Aynaz Zobran produced a valuable three-point raid with seven minutes remaining, reducing India’s lead to only two points. However, India immediately responded with a superb three-player tackle before pulling away during the closing stages to record a comfortable 14-point victory.
Having already defeated Bangladesh 42-21 in their opening match, India now require a victory over hosts Japan in their final group fixture to officially confirm a place in the semi-finals.
India Men Dominate Bangladesh
India’s men’s side produced another commanding display to continue their perfect campaign. The contest was effectively decided before the break as India inflicted two All-Outs and raced into a commanding 29-9 half-time advantage.
Their dominance came through relentless defensive pressure and efficient raiding, with 18 points earned from dismissing Bangladesh players and another seven collected through bonus points during the opening period.
Bangladesh improved significantly after the interval, scoring 16 second-half points, including eight bonus points, but India remained comfortably in control throughout.
The introduction of Arjun Deshwal in place of Devank Dalal at the start of the second half maintained India’s attacking intensity. Deshwal continued to trouble Bangladesh’s defence with successful raids, while Mijanur Rahman and Julfiker Akash managed only consolation points for Bangladesh.
India completed a third All-Out before closing out a convincing 48-25 victory.
Three Wins From Three
The latest success follows India’s earlier victories over Japan (49-24) and the Republic of Korea (63-31), giving the defending champions three wins from three matches in Group A.
Chinese Taipei are now India’s final opponents in the group stage before attention turns to the knockout rounds.
The victory over Bangladesh also guarantees India a place in the semi-finals, making them the first men’s team to secure qualification.
Medal Already Assured
Since kabaddi was introduced to the Asian Games in 1990, India have won eight of the nine men’s gold medals, with Jakarta 2018 remaining the only edition in which they failed to finish on top.
Under the tournament format, both losing semi-finalists receive bronze medals, meaning India have already guaranteed themselves another place on the podium.
With their semi-final spot secured, the defending champions now stand just two victories away from claiming a ninth Asian Games men’s kabaddi gold medal, while the women’s team remains firmly on course to defend its title after another impressive performance.
