India’s men’s kabaddi team stormed into the 2026 Asian Games gold medal match with a dominant 66-28 victory over Thailand at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium.
Thailand did manage to inflict an All-Out on India during the first half, but it barely slowed the defending champions. India still went into the break with a commanding 37-18 lead before pulling further away after the interval.
Earlier in the day, India’s women had also reached the final with a 48-24 win over Nepal, meaning both Indian kabaddi teams advanced to the gold medal matches.
Devank Dalal and Arjun Deshwal Lead the Charge
India started aggressively, collecting bonus points while their defence kept Thailand under constant pressure.
Devank Dalal was especially effective in attack and helped India force an early All-Out. Thailand responded through Supawit Somrat, who stopped Ayan Lohchab with a back hold, before Theeradet Chaisit produced a three-point Super Raid.
Chaisit then helped Thailand inflict an All-Out on India, briefly bringing his side back into the contest.
However, India quickly regained control. Devank and Arjun Deshwal continued to find raiding points, while the defence recovered strongly. Another All-Out before half-time stretched India’s advantage to 37-18.
India Pull Away in the Second Half
Devank remained influential after the break, with Ayan Lohchab also contributing in attack. Chaisit continued to score for Thailand, but India’s raiders repeatedly reopened the gap. Another All-Out further strengthened the defending champions’ position.
Aslam Inamdar also made an impact at both ends of the mat as India tightened their defence and restricted Thailand’s scoring opportunities.
The pressure became too much for Thailand, and India closed out a comprehensive 66-28 victory.
India’s final tally included 43 out points, 15 bonus points and eight All-Out points. Thailand managed 20 out points, five bonus points, two All-Out points and one technical point.
India Women Also Reach the Final
India’s women had earlier defeated Nepal 48-24 in their semi-final.
Nepal stayed competitive during the early stages, trailing 9-5 and later 15-10. Their defence produced a Super Tackle on vice-captain Sonali Shingate, while Ganga Ghimire also responded with a four-point raid.
India then took control late in the first half.
Sanju Devi, Sonali and Pooja led the raiding effort as Pushpa Rana’s side opened up a 31-17 half-time lead. From there, Nepal were unable to mount a serious comeback.
India’s women have now reached the Asian Games final in every edition since women’s kabaddi was introduced in 2010. They have won all of those finals except for one in 2018 they lost to Iran.
With both the men’s and women’s teams still unbeaten, India remain on course to defend both Asian Games kabaddi titles.
