Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met members of India’s gold medal-winning women’s kabaddi team at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi on October 16, 2026, congratulating them on their successful title defence at the Asian Games in Japan.
India secured the gold medal after defeating Iran 37-34 in the women’s kabaddi final on September 26, completing another successful campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
The meeting also highlighted the contribution of Indian Railways and the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) to the development of sporting talent in India.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Congratulates Women’s Kabaddi Champions
During the meeting at Rail Bhawan, Vaishnaw praised the Indian women’s kabaddi team for its determination, dedication and outstanding performance at the Asian Games. The Railway Minister acknowledged the players’ achievement in successfully defending India’s title against a strong Iranian side.
He said their performance had brought pride to the country and added another important accomplishment to India’s international sporting record.
According to the official announcement issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the team was coached by Neeta Moreshwar Dadwe and led by captain Pushpa Rana.
The interaction recognised the players’ achievements while highlighting the role of Indian Railways in supporting national-level athletes.
India Defeat Iran 37-34 to Win Asian Games 2026 Gold
India’s women’s kabaddi team claimed gold at the 2026 Asian Games after a closely contested final against Iran.
The match took place on September 26, with India securing a narrow 37-34 victory to retain their Asian Games title.
The three-point winning margin reflected the competitive nature of the final, as India overcame a determined Iranian challenge.
The result reinforced India’s position among the leading nations in women’s kabaddi and marked another important achievement for the national team.
Asian Games 2026 Women’s Kabaddi Final: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Asian Games 2026 |
| Host | Aichi-Nagoya, Japan |
| Event | Women’s kabaddi final |
| Date | September 26, 2026 |
| Gold medal winner | India |
| Runner-up | Iran |
| Final score | India 37-34 Iran |
| India captain | Pushpa Rana |
| India head coach | Neeta Moreshwar Dadwe |
Railway Kabaddi Players Meet Union Minister
Several athletes associated with Indian Railways attended the felicitation meeting alongside the team’s head coach.
The Railway sportspersons who met Vaishnaw included:
- Neeta Moreshwar Dadwe: Head coach, South Central Railway
- Ritu Negi: South Central Railway
- Pooja: Northern Railway
- Pinky Roy: South Central Railway
- Sonali Vishnu Shingate: Western Railway
- Raj Rani: Western Railway
Their involvement in India’s successful Asian Games campaign highlighted the contribution of railway employees to the national kabaddi programme.
The meeting also recognised the importance of institutional support in helping athletes compete at the highest international level.
Indian Railways’ Contribution to Kabaddi and Sports Development
Indian Railways has played an important role in supporting athletes across multiple sporting disciplines.
Through the Railway Sports Promotion Board, the organisation provides opportunities for sportspersons to pursue competitive careers while maintaining employment.
This system has helped athletes train, participate in national competitions and represent India internationally.
Railway-supported sportspersons have competed at major events, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
The participation of several railway employees in India’s women’s kabaddi gold medal-winning team demonstrated the continued relevance of this support structure.
Railway Sports Promotion Board Supports Indian Athletes
The Railway Sports Promotion Board remains an important part of India’s sporting development system.
Its role extends beyond individual competitions, with institutional support helping athletes pursue long-term sporting careers.
For kabaddi players, access to structured training and employment opportunities can provide greater stability while competing at national and international levels.
The achievements of railway-affiliated athletes at the 2026 Asian Games further highlighted the value of these programmes.
By recognising the women’s kabaddi champions, Indian Railways also reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging sporting excellence.
India’s Women’s Kabaddi Team Continues Asian Games Success
India’s 37-34 victory over Iran demonstrated the team’s ability to deliver under pressure in a major international final.
Under captain Pushpa Rana and head coach Neeta Moreshwar Dadwe, the squad successfully defended its Asian Games title.
The achievement added to India’s strong record in women’s kabaddi and provided another example of the country’s competitiveness on the international stage.
The felicitation ceremony at Rail Bhawan acknowledged both the players’ individual contributions and the collective effort behind their gold medal.
It also drew attention to the support provided by Indian Railways, whose athletes continue to contribute to India’s performances in major international competitions.
Conclusion
Ashwini Vaishnaw’s meeting with India’s women’s kabaddi team on October 16, 2026, celebrated the squad’s gold medal triumph at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The team’s 37-34 victory over Iran secured another major international title and highlighted the dedication of its players and coaching staff.
The occasion also recognised the contribution of Indian Railways and the Railway Sports Promotion Board in supporting athletes who represent the country at the highest level.
