Asian Games 2026: India Edge Iran 37-34 In Thrilling Final To Claim Women's Kabaddi Gold
The Indian women’s kabaddi team dug deep to beat Iran 37-34 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium, winning the Asian Games 2026 gold and claiming their fourth title in five editions. Iran started without captain Zahra Karimi, but despite India racing to a 15-10 lead and a double-digit halftime cushion (22-16), Iran stormed back. Sparked by Saniya Naeimi and Atena Madadi, Iran slashed the deficit to 27-26 with eight minutes left. Under immense pressure, Ritu Negi pulled off a clutch super tackle, and Pooja delivered vital raids to restore a 34-28 lead. India expertly ran down the clock to seal the 37-34 victory. Captain Pushpa Rana noted they fought till the end. Chinese Taipei and Nepal secured bronze in the eight-team event.
Indian team members pose on the podium before receiving their medals for the women's kabaddi at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
Indian players celebrate after winning the women's kabaddi final at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Bake
Silver medalist, team Iran poses on the podium after the women's kabaddi final at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
Bronze medalist, team Taiwan poses for a group photo after the women's kabaddi at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
Bronze medalist, team Nepal poses for a group photo after the women's kabaddi at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
Indian players react after winning the women's kabaddi final at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
India's Pushpa, center, attempts a tag during the women's kabaddi final at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
Iran's Atena Madadi reaches to tag an Indian player during the women's kabaddi final at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
Iran's team members surround India's Sanju Devi during the women's kabaddi final at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
India's Pushpa, bottom, is tackled by Iranian players during the women's kabaddi final at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
Iran's Zahra Karimi, second left, is tackled by Indian players during the women's kabaddi final at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
India's team members line up ahead of the women's kabaddi final at the Asian Games in Tokai City, Japan, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. | Photo: AP/Mark Baker
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