Asian Games: India retain men’s kabaddi gold after beating Iran 40-34

Aichi: India’s men’s kabaddi team retained its Asian Games title with a 40-34 victory over Iran in the final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium on Friday, securing its ninth gold medal in the continental competition.

India have now won the men’s kabaddi title at nine of the 10 Asian Games editions in which the sport has featured. Iran’s only triumph came at the 2018 Jakarta Games.

Iran started strongly and led India 18-17 at half-time. India, however, turned the match around after the break with a disciplined defensive display and a crucial all-out that helped the team establish a decisive lead.

Jaideep Dahiya, Arjun Deshwal, Aslam Inamdar and Sumit played key roles as India held off Iran’s challenge in the second half.

The victory also completed a golden sweep for India in kabaddi, with the women’s team having secured gold as well.

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the men’s team on successfully defending its Asian Games title, highlighting the skill, resilience and teamwork displayed by both Indian teams.

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan also congratulated the men’s kabaddi team on retaining the gold medal. He also acknowledged Tajinderpal Singh Toor’s silver in men’s shot put and Prachi Choudhary’s bronze in the women’s 400m.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the team as “champions once again”, praising their determination and saying their achievement would inspire upcoming kabaddi players.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also congratulated the Indian men’s kabaddi team on its gold-medal-winning performance.