Iran underlined their status as one of Asia’s leading kabaddi nations by completing a 6-0 sweep over Pakistan in the Kabaddi Series 2026. Both Iran A and Iran B remained unbeaten throughout the bilateral contest, sending a strong message ahead of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, where India are expected to be their biggest rivals.
The series served as an important preparation event for both teams, allowing them to test combinations and give valuable international exposure to a wider group of players. Iran, however, proved a class above across all six matches.
Iran Make a Perfect Start
Iran seized control from the opening day of the series. Iran B defeated Pakistan A 43-30 before Iran A produced an even more convincing display with a 49-25 victory over Pakistan B.
Those results immediately highlighted Iran’s impressive squad depth, with both teams maintaining the same intensity and discipline regardless of the lineup.
Pakistan Juniors Push Iran Closest
The closest contest of the series came against Pakistan’s junior side. Iran were tested throughout before edging a thrilling encounter 46-43.
Although Pakistan’s youngsters produced a spirited performance, Iran once again found a way to finish strongly and preserve their unbeaten record.
Comfortable Finish Completes the Sweep
Iran finished the series with two more dominant victories. Iran B defeated Pakistan B by 38-21 before Iran A wrapped up the campaign with a commanding 42-25 win over Pakistan A.
The available match results included:
- Match 1: Iran B 43-30 Pakistan A
- Match 2: Iran A 49-25 Pakistan B
- Match 3: Iran 46-43 Pakistan Juniors
- Match 5: Iran B 38-21 Pakistan B
- Match 6: Iran A 42-25 Pakistan A
The reported series outcome confirmed Iran completed a perfect 6-0 sweep.
Mohammadreza Shadloui Issues Challenge to India
One of the biggest talking points came after the series when Iranian star Mohammad Reza Shadloui made his ambitions for the Asian Games clear.
“We are ready for the Indian team. This time the gold medal is for us.”
The experienced defender has become one of Iran’s biggest stars through the Pro Kabaddi League and has played a major role in the country’s recent international success, including their silver-medal campaign at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Strong Statement Before the Asian Games
While victories over Pakistan do not automatically make Iran favourites against India, the series demonstrated the depth and consistency within the Iranian squad. Both the A and B teams delivered convincing performances, highlighting the country’s growing strength ahead of the continent’s biggest tournament.
India will still enter the Asian Games as one of the favourites, with experienced captain Sunil Kumar leading a squad aiming to defend its supremacy. However, Iran’s latest performances suggest they will arrive in Japan full of confidence and determined to challenge for the gold medal.
If India and Iran meet once again at the Asian Games, Shadloui’s comments have already added extra significance to what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches. With two of Asia’s strongest kabaddi nations preparing for another showdown, another memorable chapter in one of the sport’s greatest rivalries could soon unfold.
