Indian Women's Kabaddi Team Wins Gold at Asian Games 2026, Beats Iran in Final

The Indian women's kabaddi team won gold at the 2026 Asian Games on September 26, defeating Iran 37-34 in a tightly fought final held in Nagoya, Japan. The victory marks India's third gold medal of this edition of the Games and confirms the team's continued dominance in the sport at the continental level.

Kabaddi Team Medal Is India's Third Gold at Asian Games 2026

This win adds to India's growing medal tally at the 2026 Games. Before this triumph, the women's cricket team led by Harmanpreet Kaur had opened India's gold account by beating Sri Lanka, and shooters Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet had added a second gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. Kabaddi's gold now takes that count to three.

Indian Women's Kabaddi Team Beat Iran, Retain Asian Games Gold

1. India carried a commanding 22-16 lead into half-time, built on aggressive raiding and disciplined defence. 
2. Iran fought back hard in the second half, narrowing the gap to just one point at 26-27 with roughly eight minutes left on the clock. 
3. Under pressure, the Indian side held its composure, pulled ahead again, and closed out the match 37-34. 
4. This is a successful defence of the title India won at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, extending its unbeaten run in the event since women's kabaddi entered the Asian Games in 2010.

Sanju Devi Was the Standout Performer Throughout the Event

Sanju Devi emerged as one of the tournament's brightest performers, playing a key role across India's campaign. The team's road to gold included a 42-21 win over Bangladesh, a 37-23 win against Iran in the group stage, a 50-25 win over Japan, and a 48-24 semi-final victory against Nepal, before the showdown with Iran.

India sits 12th in the Asian Games 2026 overall medal tally

With this gold, India's overall count at the 2026 Asian Games stands at 27 medals: three gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze,  placing the country 12th in the standings so far, with more events still to conclude, including the men's kabaddi final against Iran later the same day.