Asian Games 2026: India women beat Iran 37-23, edge closer to kabaddi SF
Synopsis
Trailing 4-8 to Iran before Pooja's explosive super raids flipped the script, India's defending champions stormed back to win 37-23 and moved to the brink of another Asian Games kabaddi semifinal — keeping their three-peat ambitions firmly alive in Aichi.
Key Takeaways
India defeated Iran 37-23 in their second Group A match at the 2026 Asian Games women's kabaddi event on 23 September .
Raider Pooja turned the match with two consecutive super raids after Iran led 8-4 .
India's scorecard included 7 bonus points , 4 All-Out points , and a Super Tackle in the second half.
India won the second half 18-8 , closing out a dominant second-period performance.
India face hosts Japan on Thursday in their final Group A fixture; a positive result confirms a semifinal berth.
India are three-time women's kabaddi champions at the Asian Games; Iran are the only other gold medallists, winning at Jakarta 2018 .
India's women's kabaddi team moved a step closer to the knockout stage of the 2026 Asian Games with a commanding 37-23 victory over Iran in their second Group A fixture at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan, on Wednesday, 23 September. The defending champions absorbed an early Iranian surge to reassert control and confirm their place among the title favourites.
How the match unfolded
Iran drew first blood, racing to an 8-4 lead and testing India's defensive structure in the opening exchanges. The tide turned through raider Pooja, whose back-to-back super raids first narrowed the deficit and then levelled the score, swinging momentum decisively in India's favour. India closed the first half leading 19-15, combining disciplined defending with incisive raiding.
The second period belonged almost entirely to India. Iran could not convert sustained pressure into points as India's defence disrupted their raiding rhythm and the team added a Super Tackle point. India won the second half 18-8 to complete a 37-23 victory.
Key scoring breakdown
India's tally of 37 points included 7 bonus points and 4 All-Out points. Iran contributed 6 bonus points of their own but were unable to threaten another All-Out. The Super Tackle in the second half underscored India's defensive dominance as the match progressed.
Group A standings and what's next
India, who had earlier defeated Bangladesh in their opener, now face hosts Japan in their final Group A fixture on Thursday. A win or even a favourable result would confirm their semifinal berth. The top two teams from each group advance to the last four; notably, there will be no bronze medal match, meaning both losing semi-finalists will secure a podium finish.
Group A comprises India, Iran, Japan, and one further side, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, and Nepal.
India's kabaddi pedigree at the Asian Games
India are three-time Asian Games women's kabaddi champions, with gold medals from their previous appearances in the event. Iran remain the only other nation to have claimed the title, having won gold at the Jakarta 2018 edition. With Wednesday's result, India have underlined their status as the team to beat in Aichi — though Iran, despite this defeat, remain in contention for a semifinal spot.
Point of View
But the team's second-half defensive shutout (18-8) is the more significant data point. Three-time champions rarely concede All-Outs in a tournament they expect to win; Iran's failure to get one here, despite that early lead, reflects the gap in pedigree. The bigger question heading into Thursday is whether India's coaches will manage workload ahead of what should be straightforward semifinal and final fixtures — tactical rotation now could matter more than the Japan result itself.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of India vs Iran in women's kabaddi at the 2026 Asian Games?
India defeated Iran 37-23 in their second Group A match at the 2026 Asian Games women's kabaddi event on 23 September in Aichi, Japan. India trailed early before raider Pooja's super raids swung momentum in their favour.
Who was the standout performer for India against Iran?
Raider Pooja was the turning point, contributing back-to-back super raids that first cut into Iran's 8-4 lead and then levelled the score. Her efforts shifted momentum firmly to India in the first half.
When does India play their next match at Asian Games 2026 kabaddi?
India face hosts Japan on Thursday, 24 September in their final Group A fixture at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi. A positive result will confirm their place in the semifinal.
How does the 2026 Asian Games women's kabaddi tournament format work?
The tournament features two groups. The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals. There is no bronze medal match, meaning both losing semi-finalists automatically receive a bronze medal.
How many times have India won the women's kabaddi gold at the Asian Games?
India have won the women's kabaddi gold at the Asian Games three times . Iran are the only other country to have claimed the title, having won at the Jakarta 2018 edition.
