India will enter the Asian Games 2026 as the defending champions in both men’s and women’s kabaddi. The teams will aim to continue India’s strong record in the sport, but retaining both gold medals will not be easy. Iran remains a major challenge for the men’s team, while the women’s side could face strong competition from Chinese Taipei and Iran.
The kabaddi competition will take place from September 21 to September 26, 2026, at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture. The latest India kabaddi Asian Games 2026 outlook suggests that both teams have a strong chance of winning gold, although their paths are very different.
India’s Men’s Kabaddi Gold Medal Chances
India’s men’s team won gold at the 2022 Asian Games after beating Iran 33 to 29 in the final. However, the 2026 squad has gone through a major change, with eight of the 12 players making their Asian Games debuts.
India still has plenty of attacking quality. Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal finished as the top two raid point scorers in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, collecting 316 and 271 points respectively. Arjun Deshwal and Ashu Malik add further experience to the raiding department, while Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar provide valuable all-round ability.
The biggest concern is whether the new players can quickly develop the required understanding in international knockout matches. Iran is also a major obstacle. The Iranian team has experienced players with knowledge of Indian kabaddi and is known for its physical tackling style.
Based on the available assessment, India’s gold medal chances in the men’s competition are around 70 percent. India remain favourites, but Iran could make the knockout stages extremely difficult.
Women’s Team Faces Chinese Taipei Challenge
The women’s team enters the tournament with greater continuity than the men’s side. Captain Pushpa Rana and deputy Ritu Negi lead a squad featuring experienced players such as Sonali Shingate, Pooja Kajla and 2025 World Cup MVP Sanju Devi.
India’s recent experience in major finals is a major advantage. The team won the 2022 Asian Games final against Chinese Taipei 26 to 25 and also claimed the 2025 World Cup title in Dhaka.
However, Chinese Taipei remain a serious threat. They drew 34 to 34 with India during the 2022 group stage and pushed India extremely close in the final. India will also face Iran in Group A, making the group stage an important test.
India’s women’s gold medal chances are estimated at around 75 percent. Their experience and defensive discipline make them strong favourites, but close matches could be decided by bonus points and composure in the final minutes.
Asian Games Kabaddi Prediction
Asian Games kabaddi prediction points towards another golden double for India, but neither medal can be taken for granted. The men’s team has greater uncertainty because of its squad overhaul, while the women’s team benefits from a more experienced core.
India have won 11 of the 13 Asian Games kabaddi gold medals awarded since the sport was introduced. With strong raiding options in the men’s team and experienced defenders in the women’s side, both teams remain serious gold medal contenders in 2026.
