India kabaddi team open Asian Games title defence with 49-24 win over Japan
Synopsis
India's kabaddi juggernaut is rolling again. The defending champions crushed Japan 49-24 in Nagoya, inflicting four all-outs and showcasing a fresh generation of debutants — with a South Korea clash next up. Eleven Asian Games golds and counting.
Key Takeaways
India beat Japan 49-24 in their Asian Games 2026 kabaddi group opener at Tokai Citizens Gymnasium, Nagoya on 21 September .
Debutants Ashu Malik , Ayan Lohchab , and Devank Dalal led India's attack; Rahul Sethpal was solid in defence.
India inflicted four all-outs on Japan and led 31-9 at half-time.
India have won 11 of 13 Asian Games kabaddi gold medals on offer; the men's team has claimed 8 of 9 .
India's next group match is against South Korea on Tuesday, 22 September .
The Indian men's kabaddi team launched their Asian Games title defence in dominant fashion on Monday, 21 September, hammering hosts Japan 49-24 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya. The defending champions were never truly tested, racing to a commanding lead from the opening minutes and maintaining their grip throughout.
Key Performers for India
Asian Games debutants Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, and Ashu Malik were India's most impactful attackers on the night. Raider Ashu Malik set the tone early with a crucial three-point Super Raid that helped India establish an 18-2 lead after inflicting two successive all-outs on Japan inside the opening minutes. Defender Rahul Sethpal was equally disciplined, keeping Japan's raiding options firmly in check throughout the contest.
How the Match Unfolded
India's first-half dominance was near-total. The side inflicted three all-outs on Japan within the opening 20 minutes, taking a commanding 31-9 lead at the half-time interval. Japan's scoring was largely limited to bonus points, as India's defence denied them sustained raiding momentum.
Shortly after the restart, India pushed Japan to a fourth all-out, extending their advantage to 40-12. Japan did rally in the final stages and outscored India from that point to reduce the deficit, but the outcome was never in doubt. India sealed the opening group match with a final scoreline of 49-24.
India's Historic Dominance in Asian Games Kabaddi
India are the most decorated nation in the history of Asian Games kabaddi, with 11 gold medals from the 13 titles contested. The men's team has claimed eight of nine gold medals available, with their only setback coming at the Jakarta 2018 Games, where they finished with a bronze. The women's team has won three of four titles, finishing second at Jakarta 2018.
For hosts Japan, the result was a sobering reminder of the gulf in class. Their best Asian Games performance remains a bronze medal at Guangzhou 2010.
What Comes Next
India face South Korea in their second group match on Tuesday, 22 September. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, keeping India firmly on course for a deep run in the tournament.
Point of View
But the story worth watching is the debutants. Ashu Malik's Super Raid and the composure of Lohchab and Dalal signal a squad that is not just defending — it is regenerating. The real test arrives against South Korea, historically India's most competitive rival in the discipline. If this generation holds up there, the conversation about a ninth men's gold becomes serious.
NationPress
21 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of India vs Japan kabaddi at the Asian Games 2026?
India beat Japan 49-24 in their opening group match at the Asian Games 2026 on 21 September, played at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. India inflicted four all-outs and dominated throughout.
Who were India's top performers against Japan?
Debutants Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, and Devank Dalal were India's leading attackers. Ashu Malik was particularly influential, executing a three-point Super Raid early on, while Rahul Sethpal anchored the defence.
Who does India play next in the Asian Games kabaddi competition?
India face South Korea in their second group match on Tuesday, 22 September. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.
How many Asian Games kabaddi gold medals has India won?
India have won 11 gold medals from the 13 Asian Games kabaddi titles contested, making them the most successful nation in the sport's history at the Games. The men's team has claimed 8 of 9 available titles.
What is Japan's best Asian Games kabaddi result?
Japan's best finish at the Asian Games in kabaddi was a bronze medal at the Guangzhou 2010 Games. They remain one of the weaker sides compared to the dominant Indian and South Korean teams.
