Asian Games Kabaddi Draw results for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 are officially announced, confirming the groups for both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Defending champions India have been placed in Group A in both competitions, setting up an exciting path as they look to retain their titles.
The Asian Games 2026 Kabaddi groups have produced contrasting scenarios for India’s men’s and women’s teams. While the men’s side has avoided a group-stage clash against Iran, the women’s team will have to face their biggest rivals early in the competition.
Asian Games 2026 Kabaddi Groups
Men’s Group Draw
Group A
- India
- Bangladesh
- South Korea
- Chinese Taipei
- Japan (Hosts)
Group B
- Iran
- Pakistan
- Thailand
- Nepal
- Malaysia
One of the biggest talking points from the draw is that India and Iran have been placed in separate groups. As the two strongest teams in Asian men’s kabaddi, they can only meet in the knockout stage, potentially setting up another gold medal showdown if both teams progress.
India’s toughest tests in Group A are expected to come against South Korea and host nation Japan, while Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei will also be aiming to challenge the defending champions.
Women’s Group Draw
Group A
- India
- Iran
- Japan (Hosts)
- Bangladesh
Group B
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Chinese Taipei
- Nepal
Unlike the men’s draw, the women’s competition has placed India and Iran together in Group A. This creates one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage, with both nations expected to compete for top spot in the pool.
Japan, playing in front of home supporters, could also provide a difficult challenge, while Bangladesh completes a competitive Group A lineup.
Asian Games Kabaddi Schedule
The kabaddi competitions will take place from September 21 to September 26, 2026, at the Tōkai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
Both the men’s and women’s tournaments will follow the same format:
- Group Stage: September 21 to September 24
- Semi Finals: September 25
- Gold Medal Matches: September 26
Each team will play every other team in its group once during the league stage. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the semi-finals.
This format increases the importance of every match, as one poor performance could have a significant impact on qualification hopes.
Key Takeaways from the Draw
The Asian Games Kabaddi draw results have created different challenges for India’s two defending champion teams.
For the men’s team, avoiding Iran until the knockout rounds is a major advantage. It allows India to focus on navigating Group A before potentially meeting their biggest rivals in the final.
The women’s team, however, faces a much tougher route. The group-stage clash against Iran could determine who finishes first in Group A and earns a potentially more favourable semi-final matchup. India will also have to overcome hosts Japan, who will enjoy strong home support throughout the tournament.
With the Asian Games 2026 Kabaddi groups now confirmed and the Asian Games Kabaddi schedule officially in place, attention will soon shift to preparations for one of the biggest kabaddi events on the international calendar. Both Indian teams will enter the tournament as defending champions and favourites, but they will need consistent performances throughout the group stage to keep their title defence on track.
