India added another golden chapter to their Asian Games campaign as the women’s kabaddi team defeated Iran in a tense gold-medal clash at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. The victory brought India their third gold medal of the Games and further strengthened the country’s impressive record in Asian Games kabaddi.
In a gripping contest, India eventually edged out Iran 37-34 to clinch the Gold medal.
The final was particularly significant because Iran had been India’s biggest historical stumbling block in the women’s event. Iran defeated India 27-24 in the 2018 Jakarta final, handing the Indian women their only defeat in an Asian Games gold-medal match. India had since reclaimed the title at Hangzhou in 2022.
Led by captain Pushpa Rana, India entered the final after an unbeaten campaign. They had defeated Bangladesh 42-21 in their opening match, beaten Iran 37-23 in the group stage and then overcame Nepal 48-24 in the semi-final.
The final against Iran proved far more closely fought. Both teams traded raids and tackles, with neither side willing to give away easy points. India’s defensive discipline and composure in the decisive stages ultimately made the difference as the defending champions held their nerve to secure another Asian Games gold.
The triumph also continued India’s remarkable dominance in women’s kabaddi. India had won gold in 2010, 2014 and 2022, with Iran taking the title in 2018. The 2026 victory therefore marks India’s fourth women’s kabaddi gold medal since the event was introduced at the Asian Games.
