India successfully defended the men’s kabaddi title at the 2026 Asian Games after edging Iran 40-34 in a gripping final at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium. The victory secured India’s ninth men’s kabaddi gold medal and completed an unbeaten campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.
Iran Push India All the Way
The final brought together the two strongest teams in the tournament. Iran, the only nation to deny India the Asian Games men’s title after winning gold in 2018, tested the defending champions throughout a tense contest.
Iran made the brighter start, with Ali Samadi Choubtarash troubling India’s defence while Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh inspired his side. A successful All-Out raid from Zafar Danesh and a Super Tackle by captain Fazel Atrachali helped Iran edge into an 18-17 lead at half-time.
India stayed within touching distance thanks to Arjun Deshwal’s consistent raiding and an early Super Tackle from captain Sunil Kumar on Mohammadreza Shadloui.
India Turn the Final Around
India raised their intensity after the break. Sumit and Jaideep combined for a crucial Super Tackle before Aslam Inamdar’s successful do-or-die raid levelled the scores.
The decisive moment arrived when Deshwal broke through Iran’s defence to set up an All-Out that handed India a five-point advantage with just 10 minutes remaining.
India’s defence then took control, with Rahul Sethpal and Sumit producing vital tackles while Deshwal, Devank Dalal and Aslam Inamdar continued adding valuable raid points. Iran fought until the closing minutes but could not overturn the deficit as India sealed a 40-34 victory.
Dominant Tournament Run
India entered the final after an impressive group-stage campaign, defeating Japan (49-24), South Korea (63-31), Bangladesh (48-25) and Chinese Taipei (37-21).
The defending champions then overwhelmed Thailand 66-28 in the semi-final before overcoming their toughest challenge against Iran in the gold medal match.
Double Gold for India
Earlier in the day, India’s women’s team also defeated Iran, winning 37-34 to secure the women’s kabaddi gold medal.
With victories in both finals, India completed a clean sweep of the kabaddi competition at the 2026 Asian Games, reinforcing their dominance in the sport on the continental stage.
