India Beat Iran in Both Kabaddi Finals at Asian Games 2026: Men Win 40-34 for a Ninth Title, Women 37-34 for a Fourth
India's men and women both retained their kabaddi titles at Aichi-Nagoya, and both had to get past Iran to do it. The men won 40-34 for a ninth Asian Games gold; the women won 37-34 for a fourth. What happened in each final, why Iran keeps pushing India close and where the sport goes next.
Traditional Indian Mud wrestling. Photo: scotted400 via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Kabaddi is India's sport in a way few others are, and the Asian Games is the one stage where someone can take it away. Twice in Aichi-Nagoya, Iran tried. Twice India held on. With the Games now over and the full medal picture clear, here is how the two finals went and why they mattered.
The men's final: 40-34
India's men went into the final as defending champions after reclaiming the title in Hangzhou in 2023, where they had also beaten Iran. The 2026 final followed a familiar pattern: India built a lead through raids in the first half, Iran clawed back with tackles after the break, and India closed it out 40-34. It was India's ninth Asian Games gold in men's kabaddi since the sport was introduced in 1990, with Jakarta 2018 the only Games they have not won.
The women's final: 37-34
The women's final was closer and, for stretches, Iran looked the stronger side. A late run of raiding points, with Pooja singled out in the match reports, turned a tight contest into a three-point win. It was India's fourth women's gold; the women's event has only been held since 2010.
Why Iran keeps getting close
Iran has invested in kabaddi for two decades, several of its players have Pro Kabaddi League experience, and its defensive style suits the knockout format. The gap that once made Indian wins routine has narrowed to single digits in both finals, which is good for the sport and uncomfortable for Indian fans.
What it means for kabaddi
A double gold strengthens the case kabaddi's federations keep making for inclusion in multi-sport events beyond Asia. The Pro Kabaddi League season follows the Games, and the finalists on both sides will feature, which usually lifts viewership.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in the men's kabaddi final?
India beat Iran 40-34.
What was the score in the women's kabaddi final?
India beat Iran 37-34.
How many Asian Games kabaddi golds does India have?
Nine in the men's event and four in the women's event.
Has India ever lost an Asian Games kabaddi final?
Once. Iran beat India in the men's event at Jakarta 2018.
Is kabaddi an Olympic sport?
No. It is contested at the Asian Games and other regional events, and its federations are campaigning for wider inclusion.
