–by Pratyusha Mukherjee, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
India’s women’s kabaddi team clinched their second successive Asian Games gold, overcoming a determined Iran 37–34 in a closely fought final. India successfully defended their women’s kabaddi title with a hard-fought 37–34 victory over Iran at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium on Saturday, securing the country’s third gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Unlike several of India’s more comfortable wins earlier in the tournament, the final was a contest from the opening whistle. India dominated the out-point battle 26–21, but Iran kept the pressure on through bonus points, collecting eight to India’s six.
India went into the break with a 22–16 lead, having scored 16 out points, three bonus points and an All-Out. The two sides remained closely matched early on before India forced the first All-Out of the contest. Iran stayed within touching distance with seven bonus points in the opening half, but India maintained control heading into the interval.
Iran came out aggressively after the restart, winning the second half 18–15 and reducing the deficit to just one point at 27–26 after converting an All-Out opportunity.
With the final finely poised, India responded through Sanju Devi, whose Super Raid shifted the momentum back in their favour. Captain Pushpa Rana then followed it up by forcing an All-Out, giving India valuable breathing room.
Pooja further stretched the advantage by capitalising on hesitation in the Iranian defence. Iran continued to fight, adding a Super Tackle and 14 out points in the second half, but India held firm in the closing stages.
The 37–34 victory seals back-to-back Asian Games gold medals for India’s women’s kabaddi team, extending their reign as continental champions and delivering India’s third gold of the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
