Asian Games: India women retain kabaddi gold after 37-34 win over Iran

Aichi: India’s women’s kabaddi team retained its Asian Games title after defeating Iran 37-34 in a closely fought final, securing the country’s fourth gold medal in the women’s event.

India have now won every women’s kabaddi title at the Asian Games since the sport was introduced in 2010, except at the 2018 Jakarta Games.

India started strongly and led 22-16 at half-time. Iran mounted a spirited fightback after the break and reduced the deficit to just one point at 26-27.

With India leading 27-22, Iran’s Atena Madadi produced a four-point raid to bring her team within touching distance. It was the closest Iran came to taking the lead, as India’s defence regained its composure during the closing stages.

Sanju and Pushpa Rana played key roles in the final minutes as India held off Iran’s challenge and secured another Asian Games gold.

President, PM congratulate team

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the women’s team on successfully defending its title, praising the players for their courage, composure and determination in a closely contested final.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the team on winning gold. He praised the players’ teamwork and composure under pressure and said the country was proud of its kabaddi champions.

The victory also contributed to India’s golden sweep in kabaddi at the 2026 Asian Games, with the men’s team having retained its title earlier.