India won the men’s kabaddi gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Iran 40-34 in a closely fought final in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Sumit played a key role in India’s second-half comeback with several crucial tackles.
India’s men’s kabaddi team secured its ninth Asian Games gold medal after beating the Islamic Republic of Iran 40-34 in the Asian Games 2026 kabaddi final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Aichi on Friday.
The victory further strengthened India’s record in Asian Games kabaddi. India have now won the men’s kabaddi title nine times in the 10 editions in which the sport has been contested. Iran were the only team to break India’s winning run, claiming the gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.
India trail Iran at half-time
The Asian Games 2026 kabaddi final started at a high pace, with both teams looking to establish an early advantage.
Iran managed to reduce India to two players and moved 9-7 ahead. Jaideep Dahiya then produced an important super tackle on Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh to keep India in the contest.
The two teams continued to exchange points, with neither side able to establish a significant lead.
Iran eventually secured the first all-out of the match after Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh completed a two-point raid. India responded through Arjun Deshwal, whose successful raid helped India move ahead 16-14.
Iran quickly fought back with a three-man super tackle and regained the lead. Zafar Danesh continued to make an impact, helping Iran enter half-time with an 18-17 advantage.
Sumit leads India’s defensive comeback
India returned from the break with renewed intensity.
Iran initially put India under pressure and reduced the Indian team to three players. However, India responded with a successful super tackle followed by a successful raid from Aslam Inamdar.
The momentum gradually shifted towards India as the Indian defence began putting greater pressure on Iran’s raiders.
Fazel Atrachali and Omid Khojastehmohammadshah briefly helped Iran stop India’s progress with a super tackle on Arjun Deshwal. India’s defence, however, responded with a collective effort and secured their first all-out of the match.
The all-out gave India a 29-24 lead and changed the complexion of the final.
Sumit emerged as one of the key players for India in the second half, making several important tackles and helping his team maintain control. Iran continued to fight through Shadloui’s touch points, but India’s raiders kept extending the lead.
With two minutes remaining, India were seven points ahead. The team managed the final stages effectively and eventually completed a 40-34 victory over Iran.
India’s Asian Games kabaddi record
India’s latest victory adds another chapter to their strong record in men’s kabaddi at the Asian Games.
The only edition in which India did not win the men’s kabaddi gold was Jakarta 2018, when Iran finished as champions.
The Asian Games 2026 kabaddi tournament featured 10 teams divided into two groups.
Asian Games 2026 kabaddi groups
Group A: India, Bangladesh, Republic of Korea, Chinese Taipei and Japan
Group B: Iran, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan and Malaysia
The top two teams from each group qualified for the semi-finals. Thailand and Chinese Taipei won the bronze medals after losing their respective semi-final matches.
India’s 40-34 victory over Iran in the final secured another Asian Games kabaddi gold medal for the country and extended India’s record in the continental competition.
Asian Games 2026 Kabaddi Final: Key Details
- Final: India vs Iran
- Result: India won 40-34
- Sport: Men’s Kabaddi
- Competition: Asian Games 2026
- Venue: Tokai Citizen Gymnasium, Aichi
- Medal: Gold for India
- India’s men’s kabaddi gold medals: 9
- Key Indian defender: Sumit
- Half-time score: Iran 18-17 India
