Asian Games: Indian Men and Women Overpower Arch-Rival Iran to Sweep Kabaddi Golds

India solidified its commanding reign in international kabaddi on Saturday, securing both the men’s and women’s championship titles at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Both national sides faced stern challenges from longtime adversaries Iran in fiercely contested finals, successfully retaining their crowns in an exceptional display of athletic dominance.

Men Stage Spirited Comeback to Claim Ninth Continental Crown

Overcoming an intense early deficit, the Indian men’s team surged past Iran with a 40-34 win to capture a historic ninth Asian Games championship:

• The Second-Half Rally: Iran dictated the pace in the opening minutes, handing India an 18-17 deficit at the interval. Led on the mat by Sunil Kumar, India shifted tactics after halftime, executing ferocious ankle and thigh holds while Arjun Deshwal and Sumit spearheaded clinical offensive raids.
• Building the Cushion: India triggered a decisive all-out against the Iranian side midway through the second half, opening up a commanding lead. The eventual six-point victory marked India’s most decisive margin over Iran across the past three editions of the tournament.
• Controlled Finish: Departing from the procedural disputes seen during the prior Hangzhou final, India remained tactically composed and methodically ran down the clock to seal the win.

Women Hold Off Late Surge in Nail-Biting Clash

Earlier in the competition, India’s women’s team established the winning momentum, edging past Iran 37-34 in an electrifying encounter to claim their fourth Asian Games gold medal:

• Enduring Pressure: Following an undefeated run in preliminary fixtures, the Indian squad was pushed to the limit as Iran mounted a blistering scoring run late in the second half.
• Game-Sealing Tackle: With under sixty seconds on the match clock and Iran threatening to draw level, the Indian backline orchestrated a coordinated defensive block against Iranian raider Aynaz, putting the contest out of reach.
• Prolific Legacy: The gold medal represents India’s fourth championship in five appearances (victorious in 2010, 2014, 2022/2023, and 2026), further cementing their status as the preeminent force in the women’s sport.

The twin victories reiterate India’s enduring heritage as the vanguard of international kabaddi, extinguishing their toughest rivals on the continental stage.