India men thrash Thailand 66-28 to reach Asian Games Kabaddi final
Synopsis
India's men's Kabaddi team steamrolled Thailand 66-28 at the Asian Games semifinal in Tokai, setting up a shot at a ninth Asian Games gold. With the women's team also through after a 48-24 win over Nepal, India is poised for a historic Kabaddi double at these Games.
Key Takeaways
India's men beat Thailand 66-28 in the Asian Games Kabaddi semifinal on 25 September at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium .
India are eight-time Asian Games champions and are appearing in their ninth men's final .
The men's team is unbeaten in the tournament, winning all four Group A matches plus the semifinal.
India's women also reached the final, defeating Nepal 48-24 in their semifinal.
India's men will face either Iran or Chinese Taipei in the final.
India's men's Kabaddi team delivered a dominant 66-28 semifinal victory over Thailand on Friday, 25 September at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium, storming into the final of the Asian Games men's Kabaddi event. The eight-time champions and defending title-holders are now on course for an unprecedented ninth final appearance, where they will face either Iran or Chinese Taipei.
First Half Dominance
India set the tone from the outset, racking up 37 points in the first half while holding Thailand to just 18. The Indian raiders and defenders combined to take 21 outs, 12 bonus points, and executed two All Outs in those opening 20 minutes. Thailand mounted a brief early challenge, securing 13 outs, three bonus points, and one All Out, but were consistently outgunned thereafter.
Second Half Seals the Deal
The second half brought no relief for Thailand. India added 29 more points — posting 22 outs, three bonus points, and two further All Outs — to complete a comprehensive win. Thailand could manage only 10 points in the second session, registering seven out points, two bonus points, and one technical point. The final scoreline of 66-28 reflected India's complete control across all phases.
Unbeaten Run Through the Tournament
The men's team remains unbeaten in the competition, having won all four of their Group A matches before this semifinal triumph. Their ruthless combination of deep raid penetration and solid defensive organisation has been a consistent feature throughout. Notably, this is the second consecutive Asian Games cycle in which India have entered the final as defending champions.
Women's Team Also in the Final
India's women's Kabaddi side earlier secured their own final berth with a commanding 48-24 win over Nepal in their semifinal. The Indian women led 31-17 at half-time, bagging 23 out points, four bonus points, and executing two All Outs in the first half. The second half maintained the same hierarchy — India took 12 out points, three bonus points, and an additional All Out, while Nepal managed only five out points and two bonus points in the final 15 minutes.
What's Next
Both the men's and women's teams will compete in the Kabaddi finals at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium, making it a potential historic double gold for India. The men's final opponent will be confirmed once the second semifinal between Iran and Chinese Taipei concludes. All eyes will be on whether India can extend their remarkable unbeaten Asian Games Kabaddi legacy.
Point of View
Yet the domestic Pro Kabaddi League's commercial growth has not fully translated into deeper international competition. Thailand and Nepal being outclassed by margins of 38 and 24 points respectively suggests the gap between India and the rest of Asia is widening, not narrowing. A truly competitive Asian Games final — and a sustainable global future for kabaddi — may require India's dominance to be challenged at home, not just celebrated.
NationPress
25 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the India vs Thailand Kabaddi semifinal at the Asian Games?
India defeated Thailand by 66-28 in the men's Kabaddi semifinal at the Asian Games on 25 September at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium. India led 37-18 at half-time and extended their lead to seal a comprehensive win.
How many times have India won the Asian Games Kabaddi gold?
India have won the men's Asian Games Kabaddi title eight times and are the defending champions from 2023. This final appearance is their ninth in the men's event.
Who will India face in the Asian Games Kabaddi men's final?
India will face either Iran or Chinese Taipei in the men's final, depending on the outcome of the second semifinal between those two sides.
Did India women's Kabaddi team also qualify for the final?
Yes, India's women's team also reached the final after defeating Nepal 48-24 in their semifinal. The women led 31-17 at half-time and maintained dominance throughout the match.
How has India performed in the Asian Games Kabaddi tournament so far?
India's men's team has been unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all four of their Group A matches before the 66-28 semifinal victory over Thailand. Their consistent All Out executions and strong raiding have set them apart.
