India women's Kabaddi team wins Asian Games 2026 gold, beats Iran 37-34
Synopsis
India's women Kabaddi side did what they do best — win gold. A dominant first half, a nervy second, and clutch raids from Sanju and Nikita sealed a 37-34 victory over defending champions Iran in the Asian Games 2026 final at Tokai. It is India's fourth women's Kabaddi gold in Asian Games history, and a testament to the team's composure under sustained pressure.
Key Takeaways
India's women's Kabaddi team beat Iran 37-34 in the Asian Games 2026 final at Tokai Citizen Gymnasium on 26 September 2026 .
This is India's fourth women's Kabaddi gold in Asian Games history, defeating 2018 champions Iran .
It is India's third gold for the overall contingent at the Asian Games 2026 .
India led 22-16 at half-time; Iran narrowed it to 27-26 with eight minutes left before India pulled away.
Sanju Devi , Nikita , Pooja , and Bhavna Devi were among India's standout performers in the final.
India's women's Kabaddi team claimed their fourth Asian Games gold medal in the sport's history with a gripping 37-34 victory over Iran in the Asian Games 2026 final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium, Tokai, on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The triumph also marked India's third gold for the overall contingent at the ongoing Games, with the Women in Blue holding their nerve through a tense second half to retain the continental crown.
How the Final Unfolded
The contest opened in closely contested fashion, with both sides level at 5-5 inside the first four minutes. Iran nudged ahead at 6-5 through a super ankle hold on India's Sanju, but India quickly reasserted control. Bhavna Devi executed a crucial tackle to inflict the first all-out, pushing India to a 13-10 lead.
Nikita then produced a multi-point raid to stretch the advantage to 15-10, before Sanju Devi added a bonus plus two to extend India's cushion further. The Women in Blue went into the half-time break commanding a 22-16 lead, having controlled large portions of the opening period.
Iran's Second-Half Fightback
The second half saw Iran mount a determined comeback. Zahra Karimi delivered crucial tackles to keep India at bay, and Iran eventually inflicted an all-out of their own — with Madadi earning two points to narrow the gap to just 27-26 with eight minutes remaining. Iran collected 18 points in the second period against India's 15, turning the closing stages into a tense finale.
However, India's Sanju stepped up once more, producing a two-point raid to restore breathing room at 34-28. Pooja added another point, and despite Iran's relentless pressure, India held on to seal the match 37-34.
Historic Significance for Indian Kabaddi
The victory extends India's dominant record in women's Kabaddi at the Asian Games. This is India's fourth gold in the event's history, defeating 2018 champions Iran in the process. The result underlines the depth and resilience of Indian women's Kabaddi, which has consistently punched at the highest level across editions of the Games.
Notably, this is also the third gold for the Indian contingent at the Asian Games 2026 in Tokai, further reinforcing India's strong performance at this edition. The medal tally boost will be welcomed by the country's sporting establishment ahead of the Games' closing stages.
What This Means Going Forward
The win cements the status of Indian women's Kabaddi as one of the country's most reliable medal-producing disciplines at the continental level. With several young players featuring prominently in the final, the side looks well-placed to sustain its dominance into the next cycle. Selectors and the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India will now set their sights on building on this success ahead of the next major international calendar.
Point of View
The 2018 champions, have closed the gap significantly, turning a comfortable Indian first-half lead into a genuine contest in the second. The women's programme in Indian Kabaddi is one of the rare disciplines where the country's dominance is both consistent and credible, yet it receives a fraction of the attention and funding that men's Kabaddi commands through the Pro Kabaddi League. If the selection pipeline and grassroots investment are not deepened, a future Iran — or a rising South Korea — could end the streak sooner than the federation expects.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the India vs Iran women's Kabaddi match at Asian Games 2026?
India defeated Iran 37-34 in the women's Kabaddi final at the Asian Games 2026 in Tokai on 26 September 2026. India led 22-16 at half-time before Iran made a strong second-half comeback.
How many women's Kabaddi gold medals has India won at the Asian Games?
India has now won four women's Kabaddi gold medals in Asian Games history. The 2026 title in Tokai was their latest, defeating former champions Iran in the final.
Who were the standout players for India in the Kabaddi final?
Sanju Devi was instrumental with multiple crucial raids, including a key two-point effort late in the second half. Nikita produced a multi-point raid, Bhavna Devi contributed with a key tackle, and Pooja added points at critical junctures.
How did Iran challenge India in the Asian Games Kabaddi final?
Iran, the 2018 Asian Games champions, collected 18 points in the second half to India's 15, narrowing the deficit to just 27-26 with eight minutes left. Zahra Karimi and Madadi were among Iran's key performers, but India ultimately held on.
What is India's overall medal tally from Kabaddi at Asian Games 2026?
The women's Kabaddi gold was India's third gold medal for the overall Indian contingent at the Asian Games 2026 in Tokai. India has now won four Asian Games golds in women's Kabaddi across the sport's history at the Games.
