Asian Games 2026: India men's kabaddi team crushes Bangladesh 48-25, books SF spot
Synopsis
India's men's kabaddi team has sealed a semifinal berth at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi with a crushing 48-25 victory over Bangladesh — their third straight win in Group A. With a medal already confirmed, India now chases an unbroken run of Asian Games gold medals in the sport, a legacy stretching back to kabaddi's debut at the Games.
Key Takeaways
India beat Bangladesh 48-25 in Group A of the 2026 Asian Games men's kabaddi at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium, Aichi on Wednesday .
The win confirmed India's spot in the semifinals and guaranteed at least a medal .
India led 29-9 at half-time, inflicting two all-outs on Bangladesh in the first half alone.
Arjun Deshwal replaced Devank Dalal at the start of the second half as India managed their lineup heading into the knockouts.
India's final group-stage match is against Chinese Taipei on Thursday .
India is chasing a ninth men's kabaddi gold at the Asian Games, having won the event at every previous edition.
India's men's kabaddi team stormed into the semifinals of the 2026 Asian Games on Wednesday with a dominant 48-25 victory over Bangladesh in their Group A clash at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan. The win, India's third consecutive in the group stage, also confirmed a medal — as the side chases a record ninth men's kabaddi gold at the Asian Games.
How India Dominated the Match
India seized control from the opening minutes, blending aggressive raids with a disciplined defensive structure to build an imposing lead. In the first half alone, the team accumulated 18 points through successful outs and seven bonus points, while inflicting two all-outs on Bangladesh. The opponents could manage only five out points and three bonus points in the opening period, with a Super Tackle adding one more, as India went into the break with a commanding 29-9 advantage.
Second Half and Key Changes
India made a tactical adjustment at the start of the second half, with Arjun Deshwal replacing Devank Dalal to sustain the team's intensity. Bangladesh responded with an improved display, scoring 16 points after the break through eight out points and eight bonus points. However, India matched the challenge with 19 points of their own — including another all-out — to shut the door on any prospect of a comeback.
Group Stage Record and Context
The comprehensive win follows back-to-back victories over hosts Japan and South Korea in India's opening two Group A fixtures. India head into their final group-stage match against Chinese Taipei on Thursday with their semifinal place already secured and an unbeaten record intact. Notably, India has never failed to win a medal in men's kabaddi at the Asian Games, having claimed gold at every edition since the sport's introduction to the Games — making every campaign a defence of an unbroken legacy.
What Comes Next
With the knockout stage now on the horizon, India will look to carry their momentum into the semifinals as they target yet another gold. The team's combination of dominant raiding and disciplined defending has drawn attention as one of the strongest Indian kabaddi outings in recent Asian Games history. All eyes will be on who emerges from the other half of the draw to face India in the last four.
Point of View
And the manner in which India stifled their opponents' attacking display while also adapting tactically at half-time, suggests this is a squad with genuine depth, not just inherited prestige. The real test will come in the semifinals, where the quality of opposition will sharpen. India's ability to inflict multiple all-outs while rotating key raiders is the structural edge that sets them apart — and it is that, not just reputation, which makes a ninth gold a realistic rather than wishful target.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did India qualify for the kabaddi semifinals at the 2026 Asian Games?
Yes, India qualified for the men's kabaddi semifinals at the 2026 Asian Games with a 48-25 victory over Bangladesh on Wednesday in Aichi, Japan. It was their third consecutive win in Group A, and the result also confirmed at least a medal.
What was the score in the India vs Bangladesh kabaddi match at Asian Games 2026?
India defeated Bangladesh 48-25 in the Group A match at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi on Wednesday. India led 29-9 at half-time and finished with two all-outs against Bangladesh across the match.
Who replaced whom in India's kabaddi team in the second half against Bangladesh?
Arjun Deshwal replaced Devank Dalal at the start of the second half as India looked to sustain their dominance heading into the knockout stage.
How many Asian Games kabaddi gold medals has India won?
India has won eight men's kabaddi gold medals at the Asian Games, at every edition since the sport's inclusion. The team is now chasing a ninth at the 2026 Games in Aichi.
When is India's next match at the 2026 Asian Games kabaddi tournament?
India play Chinese Taipei on Thursday in their final Group A fixture. With their semifinal place already secured, the match gives India an opportunity to remain unbeaten heading into the knockout rounds.
