India crush South Korea 63–31 in 2026 Asian Games kabaddi Group A
Synopsis
India's kabaddi team steamrolled South Korea 63–31 at Nagoya, chalking up their second straight Group A win at the 2026 Asian Games. With two All-Outs, 38 raid points, and 17 bonus points, Sunil Kumar's side is on the march for a ninth gold in ten editions — a legacy no other nation can come close to matching.
Key Takeaways
India defeated South Korea 63–31 in the 2026 Asian Games kabaddi Group A on 22 September in Nagoya .
India's raiding unit posted 38 out points ; the side inflicted a total of three All-Outs across the match.
Half-time score was 34–14 in India's favour, with seven bonus points and two All-Outs in the opening period alone.
India's bonus-point tally for the match reached 17 , while Korea managed just 31 points in total.
Sunil Kumar 's team next faces Bangladesh on 23 September in Group A action.
India have won 11 gold medals from 13 Asian Games kabaddi editions, with the men winning 8 of 9 .
India extended their unbeaten run at the 2026 Asian Games with a dominant 63–31 victory over South Korea in their second Group A fixture at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Nagoya on Tuesday, 22 September. The win, following their earlier triumph over hosts Japan, keeps India firmly on track to top the group.
How India Built the Lead
The Sunil Kumar-led side seized control from the opening whistle and never relinquished it. India's raiding unit proved clinical throughout, accumulating 38 out points compared to Korea's 23, while a disciplined defensive line repeatedly stalled Korea's attacking rhythm with a succession of successful tackles.
By half-time, India had raced to a commanding 34–14 advantage, built on 23 out points, seven bonus points, and two All-Outs that left Korea with no answers. Korea's raiders managed just 10 touch points before the break, unable to find gaps in India's organised defence.
Second Half: India Extend, Korea Can't Close
The second period followed a similar pattern. Korea showed marginally more resilience but never mounted a genuine comeback. India added another 29 points after the restart, inflicted one more All-Out, and took their bonus-point tally to 17 for the match. Korea's second-half return of 17 points fell well short of what was needed to dent the deficit.
What's Next for India
India face Bangladesh on 23 September in their next Group A outing, continuing a campaign aimed at securing a record ninth Asian Games gold in the last ten editions. The men's team have won eight of nine Asian Games titles, with their only blemish a bronze at Jakarta 2018.
India's Kabaddi Legacy at the Asian Games
India remain the most decorated nation in Asian Games kabaddi history by a considerable margin, having claimed 11 gold medals from the 13 editions in which the sport has been contested. The women's team have added three gold medals from four appearances, with a silver at the 2018 edition. No rival nation comes close to matching that record — Japan's best men's finish remains a bronze at Guangzhou 2010.
Point of View
Where top Asian sides have historically regrouped. The 2018 Jakarta bronze remains the one scar on an otherwise flawless Asian Games record, and it is the benchmark every Indian kabaddi generation is quietly measured against. If the side can maintain this intensity without overexposure in the group stage, a ninth gold in ten editions looks highly achievable.
NationPress
22 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of India vs South Korea kabaddi at the 2026 Asian Games?
India defeated South Korea 63–31 in the Group A fixture at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Nagoya on 22 September 2026. It was India's second consecutive win in the group stage, following a victory over hosts Japan.
Who captains the Indian men's kabaddi team at the 2026 Asian Games?
The Indian men's kabaddi team is led by Sunil Kumar at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Under his captaincy, India have won both their Group A matches so far.
How many Asian Games gold medals has India won in kabaddi?
India have won 11 gold medals from 13 Asian Games kabaddi editions. The men's team account for eight of nine golds, with the only exception being a bronze finish at Jakarta 2018.
Who does India play next in the 2026 Asian Games kabaddi?
India's next Group A match is against Bangladesh on 23 September 2026 . A win would further consolidate their position at the top of Group A.
What is Japan's best finish in Asian Games kabaddi?
Japan's best men's finish in Asian Games kabaddi history is a bronze medal , won at the Guangzhou 2010 edition. As hosts of the 2026 Games, they remain well behind India's dominance in the sport.
