India’s women successfully defended their Asian Games kabaddi title after edging Iran 37-34 in a tense final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Aichi.
The victory gave India back-to-back gold medals in women’s kabaddi and their fourth title in five editions of the competition at the Asian Games. It was also India’s third gold medal of the 2026 Games.
India Build First-Half Advantage
The final was far tighter than the group-stage meeting between the two sides, where India had also scored 37 points but won by a much larger margin.
India led 22-16 at half-time after taking control through 16 out points, three bonus points and an All-Out. Iran stayed in touch thanks to seven bonus points and refused to let India pull too far ahead.
Iran Fight Back After the Break
Iran came out strongly in the second half and outscored India 18-15.
The contest turned when India were reduced to two players on the mat. Ritu Negi, who captained the side in Hangzhou, produced a crucial thigh hold on Naeimi to earn a Super Tackle and move India 25-20 ahead.
Iran responded almost immediately. Atena Madadi claimed two touch points in one raid and helped complete an All-Out, cutting the deficit to just one point at 27-26 with eight minutes remaining.
That was the closest Iran came to retaking the Asian Games title they last won in Jakarta in 2018.
Sanju Devi Changes the Momentum
India responded under pressure through Sanju Devi, whose Super Raid restored breathing space.
Captain Pushpa Rana then helped force another All-Out to move India back into a stronger position. Pooja added further points as Iran’s defence began to lose shape under pressure.
Iran continued fighting and added a Super Tackle along with 14 out points in the second half, but India stayed composed in the closing minutes.
India Close Out the Final
With around a minute remaining, Iran still needed points to stay alive, but India’s defence came up with the decisive stop by tackling Aynaz.
India finished with a 37-34 victory to retain the title won at Hangzhou.
The result also extends India’s remarkable record in women’s Asian Games kabaddi. Of the five editions held, India have now won four, with Iran’s 2018 triumph remaining the only interruption.
After a comfortable run through most of the tournament, India were finally pushed to the limit in the final, but their composure in key moments proved enough to secure another continental gold.
