India women’s kabaddi team celebrates a thrilling gold medal victory after defeating Iran in the Asian Games 2026 final. (Img: Pinterest)
Aichi Nagoya: India’s women’s kabaddi team once again proved its dominance on the biggest continental stage by winning a dramatic gold medal at the Asian Games 2026. In a closely contested final against Iran, the Indian side held its nerve during the pressure-filled closing moments to secure a 37-34 victory and successfully defend the title it won at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
The high-voltage final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Aichi-Nagoya witnessed an intense battle between two of Asia’s strongest kabaddi teams. India started strongly, maintained control for most of the contest, but faced a determined fightback from Iran in the final phase.
The match reached a tense stage in the last minute when Iran needed crucial points to stay alive. However, India’s defensive unit produced a match-defining tackle on Aynaz, stopping Iran’s comeback attempt and sealing another historic Asian Games gold medal for the country.
The victory became a major highlight of India’s Asian Games 2026 campaign, adding another golden chapter to the nation’s kabaddi legacy.
## India’s Kabaddi Queens Complete Unbeaten Campaign
The Indian women’s kabaddi team entered the final with confidence after producing a dominant unbeaten run throughout the tournament.
India displayed exceptional teamwork, tactical discipline and attacking strength from the group stage. The team defeated Bangladesh and Japan in Pool A matches before securing the top position. India had also overcome Iran earlier in the competition, setting up a highly anticipated final showdown.
The gold medal match showcased the traditional strengths of Indian kabaddi — powerful raids, quick defensive reactions and strong coordination between players.
Sanju Devi once again emerged as one of India’s most influential performers during the tournament. Her consistent displays throughout the campaign played an important role in helping India handle Iran’s aggressive approach in the final.
The gold medal-winning Indian squad included Pooja, Raj Rani, Sonali Vishnu Shingate, Pushpa, Bhavna Devi, Ritu, Sanju Devi, Ritu Negi, Manisha Kumari, Pinki Roy, Jyoti and Nikita.
## Third Gold Medal Takes India’s Tally to 27
The women’s kabaddi triumph became India’s third gold medal at the Asian Games 2026.
Following the victory, India’s medal tally reached 27 medals, including three gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze medals. India was placed 12th in the overall standings at the time of reporting.
The kabaddi gold added momentum to India’s medal campaign, which has witnessed strong performances across shooting, athletics, squash and other sporting disciplines.
Earlier, Army athlete Sawan Barwal created history by winning silver in the men’s marathon. The Himachal Pradesh runner clocked 2:11:37 to set a new national record and ended India’s 44-year wait for an Asian Games marathon medal.
India also secured silver in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions team event through Tilottama Sen, Ashi Chouksey and Vidarsa K. Vinod. Tilottama and Vidarsa later competed in the individual final, finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
In squash, veteran Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar added another medal to India’s tally by winning bronze in the mixed doubles event after their semifinal defeat against Hong Kong’s Tang Ming Hong and Lee Ka Yi.
## Men’s Kabaddi Team Eyes Another Gold
India’s kabaddi celebrations could continue as the men’s team is also set to face Iran in the gold medal match later in the tournament.
A victory in the men’s final would give India another major kabaddi achievement and strengthen its position in one of the country’s most successful traditional sports.
The Indian kabaddi teams have consistently remained among the strongest contenders at Asian Games competitions, making every match a major attraction for sports fans.
## India’s Medal Hopes Continue Across Sports
India’s campaign at the Asian Games 2026 remains active across several disciplines with more medal opportunities ahead.
In archery, Dhiraj Bommadevara produced a record-breaking qualification performance by topping the men’s recurve event with 698 points. His score created new Asian and national records.
Chikitha Taniparthi also impressed by finishing first in the women’s compound qualification with 705 points.
In badminton, Unnati Hooda advanced to the next round after defeating Malaysia’s Wong Ling China, while Animesh Kujur qualified for the men’s 200m semifinal after topping his heat.
India’s fencing teams also delivered notable performances, with the women’s foil team defeating Indonesia 45-24 and the men’s sabre team beating the Philippines 45-27 before their quarterfinal exits.
With kabaddi glory, shooting success and historic athletic performances, India’s Asian Games 2026 journey continues to generate excitement among millions of sports fans.
