India’s women’s kabaddi team created history at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Iran 37-34 in a thrilling gold-medal final on Saturday.
The victory secured India’s third gold medal of the Games and saw the women’s kabaddi team successfully defend its Asian Games title.
The final went down to the wire, with Iran putting up a strong challenge and keeping India under pressure until the closing stages.
However, the Indian team held its nerve when it mattered most to seal a three-point victory and claim the gold medal.
Kicking off their victory lap, the Indian team celebrated the win of the Vande Mataram, the national song of the Indian people.
India Hold Nerve In Thrilling Final
The contest remained closely fought throughout, with neither side able to establish a commanding advantage for long. Iran continued to push India in the latter stages, setting up a tense finish at 37-34.
With just a minute remaining, Iran needed points to stay alive in the contest. However, the Indian defence produced a crucial moment when Aynaz was successfully tackled.
That defensive effort effectively ended Iran’s hopes of a late comeback, as India maintained its advantage until the final whistle.
The final score read India 37-34 Iran, confirming another gold medal for the defending champions.
India Defend Women’s Kabaddi Title
The victory marks back-to-back Asian Games gold medals for India in women’s kabaddi, underlining the team’s continued presence at the top of the continental competition.
India had entered the final with the opportunity to retain the title and delivered under pressure against a determined Iranian side.
Iran deserve credit for pushing the defending champions throughout the final, but India managed to produce the decisive moments in the closing stages.
Sanju Devi Stars Again
Sanju Devi once again played a key role in India’s successful campaign and was described as the team’s standout performer throughout the tournament.
She delivered another influential performance in the final as India completed its title defence.
India grabbed its third gold medal of the Asian Games 2026 after this victory against Iran. Additionally they extended their dominance in women’s kabaddi with another memorable continental win.
The Indian women's team have secured a Gold medal in 2010, 2014, 2022 (held in 2023) previously in Kabaddi.
They also won a silver medal in 2018. Finally they have again added another Gold and made the nation proud.