New Delhi: India’s men’s kabaddi team retained its Asian Games title by defeating Iran 40–34 in a hard-fought final held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 26. With this victory, India secured its ninth gold medal in men’s kabaddi in the history of the Asian Games.
The final was a thrilling contest, with both teams putting up a strong fight in the first half and neither side able to establish a clear lead. Iran held a narrow 18-17 advantage at halftime. However, India made a strong comeback in the second half, took control of the game and secured a six-point victory.
With this victory, India continues its return to the top of Asian Games kabaddi. Iran had snapped India’s streak of seven consecutive wins at the 2018 Jakarta Games, where India finished fourth. The Indian men’s team reclaimed the title at the 2023 Hangzhou Games and has now successfully defended it in Aichi-Nagoya.
Earlier on Saturday, India’s women’s kabaddi team also defeated Iran 37-34 in the final to retain its Asian Games title, completing a golden double for the country in kabaddi. India’s men’s team will now leave Aichi-Nagoya with another Asian Games gold after overcoming a strong Iranian side in a hard-fought final.
