India win ninth Asian Games men’s kabaddi gold after 40-34 victory over Iran

India’s men’s kabaddi team defeated Iran 40-34 in a closely fought final on Saturday to win the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games. Led by Pawan Sehrawat, India once again finished on top of the podium in a competition they have dominated since kabaddi was introduced to the Asian Games in 1990.

The victory gave India a record-extending ninth gold medal in men’s kabaddi. Their only break from that run came at the 2018 Asian Games, when they failed to win a medal and finished fourth.

Strong run through the competition

India had looked in control throughout the group stage. They opened their Group A campaign with a 49-24 win over Japan on September 21 before beating South Korea 63-31.

They then continued their unbeaten run with a 48-25 victory over Bangladesh and a 37-21 win against Chinese Taipei.

The semifinal against Thailand was another one-sided affair. India registered a 66-28 win on Friday to seal their place in the title clash. Iran, meanwhile, booked its spot in the final after defeating Chinese Taipei 59-21 in the other semifinal.

Iran pushed India in the final

The final was a much tighter contest, with Iran, the 2018 champions, putting up a strong challenge. India eventually managed to hold their advantage and finish with a 40-34 victory to reclaim the Asian Games kabaddi crown.

The result also underlined the rivalry between the two teams, with Iran having emerged as one of India’s strongest opponents in recent years.

Earlier on Saturday, India’s women’s team had also defeated Iran in the gold medal match, winning 37-34.

The women’s victory extended their remarkable record in the competition, giving them a fourth Asian Games gold. India have now won the women’s kabaddi title at all five editions since the sport made its debut at Guangzhou in 2010, apart from 2018, when Iran beat them in the Jakarta final.

With both Indian teams winning gold on the same day, India completed a memorable sweep of the kabaddi titles at the 2026 Asian Games.