India defend kabaddi gold at Asian Games, beat Iran 40-34 in Aichi thriller
Synopsis
India's kabaddi team didn't just win gold in Aichi — they carried churma, ladoos and khoya from home and went unbeaten through the entire tournament. A 40-34 victory over Iran in the final, sealed by a pivotal All-Out with 10 minutes left, keeps India's Asian Games kabaddi dynasty alive and raises a timely question about why the sport still struggles for airtime back home.
Key Takeaways
India defeated Iran 40-34 in the men's kabaddi final at the Asian Games on 26 September in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan .
India completed an unbeaten campaign through the tournament, successfully defending their title.
Arjun Deshwal breached Iran captain Fazel Atrachali's guard to set up an All-Out that gave India a five-point lead with 10 minutes left.
India trailed 17-18 at half-time before raising intensity in the second half.
Player Jaideep dedicated the gold to his brother and called for greater public support for sports beyond cricket.
India successfully defended their men's kabaddi title at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, defeating Iran 40-34 in a gripping final on Saturday, 26 September at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium. The victory completed an unbeaten campaign for the Indian side, underscoring their continued dominance in the sport.
A Hard-Fought Final
The contest was tightly poised from the outset. India and Iran traded raids in an intense first half, with India trailing 17-18 at the break. Arjun Deshwal and Devank Dalal spearheaded India's attacking effort, while Jaideep and Sumit provided crucial defensive stability.
The second half saw India lift their intensity considerably. A decisive defensive effort from Sumit and Jaideep piled pressure on Iran, before Aslam Inamdar levelled the scores with a timely do-or-die raid. The turning point came when Arjun breached the guard of Iran captain Fazel Atrachali, triggering an All-Out that handed India a five-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.
India held firm in the closing stages, with Sumit, Rahul Sethpal and the rest of the defence shutting out Iran's late push to seal the 40-34 win.
A Taste of Home in Japan
Behind the focused performance lay a warm human story. Kabaddi player Jaideep revealed after the final that the squad had carried traditional homemade food to Japan to stay grounded during the tournament. 'Yes, we brought churma from our home. We also brought ladoos and khoya from our home. But the food here was also good. We used to get paratha, roti, etc.,' he said.
This comes amid growing recognition of the role mental comfort and familiar foods play in sustaining athlete performance during extended international campaigns.
Jaideep's Dedication and Call for Broader Sports Support
Jaideep dedicated the gold medal to his brother, acknowledging the personal support that shaped his journey. 'I dedicate this medal to my brother. He has supported me a lot. So, I dedicate this medal to my brother,' he said.
He also used the moment to advocate for wider support for Indian sport beyond cricket. 'Everyone should play cricket. It is a good thing, but we should also support other sports and take them forward,' Jaideep said — a sentiment that resonates with athletes across disciplines who compete with fewer resources and less public recognition than their cricketing counterparts.
India's Kabaddi Legacy at the Asian Games
India's men's kabaddi team has historically been a dominant force at the Asian Games, and this title defence in Aichi-Nagoya reinforces that legacy. The unbeaten run through the tournament, capped by a victory over perennial rivals Iran, signals that Indian kabaddi's competitive edge remains intact. With attention now likely turning to the domestic Pro Kabaddi League season, several members of this squad are expected to carry their form into the franchise circuit.
Point of View
Tournament-hardened athletes, but without the visibility equation changing, the pipeline of investment and grassroots participation will remain thinner than the results deserve. The Pro Kabaddi League has helped, but television viewership and brand sponsorship still lag what this level of international success should command.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did India win kabaddi gold at the 2026 Asian Games?
Yes, India won the men's kabaddi gold at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on 26 September, defeating Iran 40-34 in the final. The team completed an unbeaten run through the entire tournament.
What was the score in the India vs Iran kabaddi final?
India defeated Iran 40-34 in the Asian Games kabaddi final held at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan. India trailed 17-18 at half-time before taking control in the second half.
Who were the key players for India in the kabaddi final?
Arjun Deshwal and Devank Dalal led India's attack, while Jaideep and Sumit provided crucial defensive contributions. Aslam Inamdar's do-or-die raid levelled the scores before Arjun's breakthrough against Iran captain Fazel Atrachali sealed an All-Out.
What did Jaideep say after winning the gold medal?
Jaideep dedicated the gold medal to his brother, saying 'He has supported me a lot.' He also revealed the team brought churma, ladoos and khoya from home during the tournament, and called for greater public support for sports beyond cricket.
Why is India's Asian Games kabaddi gold significant?
The win marks a successful title defence for India, one of the sport's historically dominant nations at the Asian Games. The unbeaten campaign in Aichi-Nagoya reinforces India's standing in kabaddi at the highest level of continental competition.
