India’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams once again underlined the sport’s remarkable consistency by winning both gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
The men defeated Iran 40-34 to secure their ninth Asian Games title, while the women beat the same opposition 37-34 to claim their fourth gold in five editions. Both teams successfully defended the titles they won at Hangzhou 2022.
Kabaddi Remains One of India’s Most Reliable Sports
India entered the Games carrying significant expectations after winning a record 107 medals at Hangzhou. By the end of September 26, the two kabaddi victories had lifted the country’s tally to 28 medals – four gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze.
While cricket naturally attracts more commercial attention in India, kabaddi has consistently delivered medals at the Asian Games.
The men have dominated since kabaddi was introduced to the programme in 1990. Their only failure to win gold came at Jakarta 2018, when Iran ended India’s run of titles. Aichi-Nagoya restored the familiar order, with India overcoming Iran in a tight final to retain the crown.
Women Continue Their Own Dominant Run
India’s women have been similarly successful since their competition was introduced in 2010.
They won gold in 2010, 2014, 2022 and now 2026, with their only defeat coming against Iran in the 2018 final. The latest 37-34 victory therefore gave India a fourth women’s kabaddi gold and a medal in every edition of the event.
A Sport That Keeps Delivering
Kabaddi may not receive the same year-round spotlight as cricket, but its Asian Games record is difficult to ignore.
Both Indian teams arrived as defending champions, remained unbeaten in Aichi-Nagoya and defeated their strongest rival, Iran, in the finals.
In a multi-sport campaign where results can fluctuate from event to event, kabaddi once again provided India with something familiar: medals, consistency and two more golds.
