– by Pratyusha Mukherjee Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
India produced a thrilling performance to defeat Iran 40-34 in the men’s kabaddi final at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday, successfully defending their title and securing their ninth Asian Games gold medal in kabaddi.
The final lived up to its billing from the opening raid, with both sides trading points in a tense and closely fought contest. Arjun Deshwal and Devank Dalal spearheaded India’s attack, while Iran relied on the likes of Ali Samadi Choubtarash and Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh to keep the pressure on.
India made an early impact in defence, with Sunil Kumar producing a crucial Super Tackle on Mohammadreza Shadlouichiyaneh. Arjun continued to collect valuable points through successful raids and bonus points, but Iran responded strongly. Zafar Danesh’s successful All-Out raid shifted the momentum in Iran’s favour, and the two teams remained locked in a tight battle.
India’s defence gradually began to make its mark, with Jaideep producing important interventions to swing the momentum. Iran captain Fazel Atrachali answered with a Super Tackle, while Zafar Danesh stopped Devank to help Iran take an 18-17 lead into half-time.
India returned from the break with greater urgency, forcing Iran into do-or-die raids. Zafar Danesh repeatedly stood firm, while Shadlouichiyaneh’s ankle hold helped Iran maintain their advantage. India, however, began to dominate defensively as Sumit and Jaideep combined for a Super Tackle on Ali Samadi.
Aslam Inamdar then delivered a successful do-or-die raid to bring India level and shift the momentum once again. Sumit continued to emerge as a key defensive presence from the left corner, while Iran’s Omid and Fazel combined for another Super Tackle to keep their side within striking distance.
The decisive moment came when Arjun Deshwal broke through the formidable Fazel Atrachali, allowing India to inflict an All-Out and establish a five-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.
India refused to surrender the advantage. Arjun and Devank continued to attack aggressively, while Sumit produced a decisive back hold to stop Zafar Danesh and extend India’s lead. Shadlouichiyaneh kept Iran’s hopes alive, but Rahul Sethpal’s crucial tackle ensured India maintained a seven-point advantage with just three minutes left.
Iran pushed forward in a desperate attempt to close the gap, but Aslam Inamdar responded with two valuable points to keep India firmly in control. With the clock winding down, Iran could find no route back into the contest.
India eventually completed a 40-34 victory, securing the gold medal, successfully defending their Asian Games title and completing an unbeaten campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.
