The Indian women’s kabaddi team produced a strong second-half fightback to defeat the Islamic Republic of Iran 37-34 in the final at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Saturday. The victory gave India the gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 and allowed the team to successfully defend its continental title.

India have now won four of the five women’s kabaddi gold medals contested at the Asian Games since the event made its debut in 2010. Iran claimed the title at Jakarta 2018 after defeating India in the final.

India Make a Fast Start

Iran made an interesting tactical decision before the match by keeping star raider and captain Zahra Karimi on the bench. India took advantage of the situation early. Raiders Pooja, Sanju Devi and Nikita Hathwala collected important points as India moved into a 5-2 lead. Iran soon fought back. A successful super tackle helped them level the scores before they moved ahead 7-5.

India responded strongly and secured the first all-out of the final. That gave them a 13-10 advantage. Nikita Hathwala then produced a two-point raid to extend India's lead to 15-10. Karimi returned to the mat and tried to change the momentum. Atena Madedi also supported Iran's attack.

India's defence, however, kept star Iranian raider Saniya Naeimi under control and gave her little room to score. Sanju Devi then delivered a valuable multi-point raid. She collected a bonus point and two touch points. India's defence followed that with a series of successful tackles. India opened up a double-digit lead with a little over two minutes remaining in the first half.

Iran Fight Back Before Half-Time

Iran finished the first half strongly. A super tackle, followed by a bonus point and a superb ankle hold from Madedi, helped Iran cut India's advantage. The defending champions went into the break trailing 22-16.

Iran Put India Under Pressure

Iran came out with much more intensity after the interval. Their defence became more effective, while Saniya Naeimi began finding her rhythm. Iran quickly reduced the gap to just three points at 23-20. India were under serious pressure when they had only two players on the mat.

Ritu Negi produced a crucial thigh hold on Saniya Naeimi to complete a super tackle. Pooja also kept collecting important points and helped India avoid being completely wiped out. Iran eventually secured an all-out. Madadi collected two touch points in a single raid and reduced the gap to just one point at 27-26 with eight minutes remaining.

India Regain Control

India needed a response and turned to their raiders. Pooja continued to pick up touch points and maintained her influence on the match. Sanju Devi also produced two important raids. Their efforts helped India rebuild the lead. With just over four minutes left, India had moved 34-28 ahead.

Iran began making mistakes as the pressure increased. India used its raids carefully and focused on running down the clock. The strategy worked. India held on to win 37-34 and successfully defended their Asian Games women's kabaddi title.

Pushpa Rana Praises India's Fighting Spirit

India captain Pushpa Rana credited the team's determination after the match. "We never thought we might lose, our plan was to fight right till the end and win," India captain Pushpa Rana said after the match. She also acknowledged Iran's strength and the challenge they brought to the final.

"We have played them before and knew they can pose a tough challenge," she said, applauding the Iran team for a close match. India and Iran were also scheduled to meet later in the day in the men's kabaddi gold medal match.

How the Women's Kabaddi Tournament Was Structured

The women's kabaddi competition at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games featured eight teams divided into two groups. India were placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, hosts Japan and Iran. Group B consisted of Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese Taipei and Nepal.

After the round-robin stage, the top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals. Chinese Taipei and Nepal won the bronze medals after losing their respective semi-final matches.

India's victory over Iran completed another successful Asian Games campaign and secured the women's kabaddi gold medal for the defending champions.