India has added another gold medal to its 2026 Asian Games campaign, with the women’s kabaddi team reclaiming the top spot after defeating Iran in a closely fought final.

The victory is particularly significant because Iran had beaten India in the 2018 Asian Games final. Eight years later, India has settled the score and once again established its dominance in women’s kabaddi.

India takes control in the first half

The final, held on Saturday, September 26, in Aichi-Nagoya, began with India putting Iran under immediate pressure.

India played aggressively and built a 22-16 lead at halftime. A successful super raid and an all-out helped the Indian team create a significant advantage before the break.

Iran responded strongly after halftime and managed to put India under pressure with an all-out of its own. The second half became much more competitive, with both teams fighting for every point.

Iran actually scored more points in the second half, but India's early advantage proved decisive. India scored 15 points after the break, while Iran managed 18.

India wins a thrilling 37-34 final

Despite Iran's strong comeback attempt, India held its nerve in the closing stages and secured a 37-34 victory.

The win earned India the women's kabaddi gold medal, while Iran had to settle for silver. Taiwan and Nepal claimed the bronze medals.

Fourth Asian Games gold in women's kabaddi

The victory is another milestone in India's remarkable record in the event.

Women's kabaddi was introduced at the Asian Games in 2010, and India has reached the final at every edition since its introduction.

The team won gold in 2010, 2014 and 2022, before finishing with silver in 2018 after losing to Iran.

With this latest victory, India has now won the women's kabaddi gold medal four times overall, including at consecutive editions.

India finally avenges 2018 defeat

The victory carries additional significance because Iran was the team that ended India's unbeaten run in the women's kabaddi final at the 2018 Asian Games.

That defeat remained the only time India had failed to win the women's kabaddi gold since the sport was introduced at the Asian Games.

Now, eight years later, India has defeated the same opponent in another final and reclaimed its position at the top.

Another golden moment for India's campaign

The kabaddi triumph came after India had already enjoyed a strong start to the day.

Sawan Barwal won silver in the men's marathon, while India's women's rifle 3-position team also secured a silver medal.

The women's kabaddi team's gold has now added a golden highlight to India's Day 7 campaign and further strengthened the country's medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games.