India Set Up Kabaddi Gold Double Against Iran at Asian Games

India will have two opportunities to win kabaddi gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after the men’s and women’s teams completed commanding semifinal victories at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium.

The women defeated Nepal 48-24, while the men powered past Thailand 66-28 on Friday, September 25. Both Indian teams will meet Iran in their respective gold-medal matches on Saturday, September 26.

The results guarantee India two additional medals because every finalist receives either gold or silver. India ended September 25 with 23 medals, meaning the kabaddi finals will lift the overall total to at least 25 once the results become official.

India women control semifinal against Nepal

India’s women established their authority early against Nepal and carried a 31-17 advantage into halftime. Their raiders collected 35 out points during the match, while three All-Outs reflected the pressure maintained across both halves.

Sanju Devi was central to the attacking performance, repeatedly finding gaps in Nepal’s defensive formation. With a substantial lead already secured, India managed the second half efficiently and added a third All-Out before completing a 48-24 victory.

Iran will provide a more demanding test in the final, although India can take confidence from their earlier meeting in the group stage. The defending champions recovered from a slow start in that match to defeat Iran 37-23, with Pooja playing an important role in changing the momentum through her raiding.

India are pursuing a second consecutive women’s kabaddi title and a fourth Asian Games gold overall in the event. Iran, however, have previously demonstrated their ability to overturn expectations, most notably when they won the women’s title in 2018.

Devank and Arjun drive men into final

India’s men produced an even larger winning margin against Thailand. Devank Dalal and Arjun Deshwal led a powerful raiding unit that repeatedly forced Thailand’s defence into difficult situations.

Thailand briefly fought back through Theeradet Chaisit, whose successful raids helped inflict an All-Out on India. That response did not alter the direction of the contest. India regained control, secured another All-Out and reached halftime with a 37-18 lead.

The defending champions maintained their intensity after the interval and closed out a 66-28 victory. The performance extended an unbeaten campaign in which India have combined multiple raiding options with an experienced defensive core.

The men’s final renews one of international kabaddi’s defining rivalries. India defeated Iran 33-29 in the previous Asian Games final in Hangzhou, reclaiming the title after Iran had ended India’s long run of dominance in 2018. A victory in Aichi would give the Indian men their ninth Asian Games gold medal.

India kabaddi finals schedule

Both finals will be played at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture.

What the finals mean for India’s medal tally

India finished September 25 with 23 medals, including two golds. The two guaranteed kabaddi medals will raise the total to at least 25. If both teams win their finals, kabaddi alone will double India’s gold count from two to four.

The potential double would also reinforce India’s historical control of Asian Games kabaddi. Before these finals, the country had won eight men’s and three women’s titles, accounting for 11 of the 13 kabaddi gold medals awarded at the Games.

Where fans can follow the finals

Viewers in India can follow Asian Games coverage on the Sony Sports Network, while live streaming is available through SonyLIV. As channel assignments can change during a multi-sport event, television viewers should check the network schedule shortly before each match.

Live scores and official results are also available through the Asian Games digital results service. Fans who miss the live action can look for match replays and highlights on the streaming platform after the finals conclude.