GUWAHATI: India defeated the Islamic Republic of Iran 37-34 in a closely fought final at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Saturday to win the women’s kabaddi gold medal at the Asian Games 2026.
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India started strongly and took an early lead, but Iran fought back before half-time to reduce the gap to 22-16. The defending champions continued their comeback in the second half, cutting India’s lead to just one point at 27-26 with eight minutes remaining.
India responded through key raids from Pooja and Sanju Devi, building a 34-28 lead with just over four minutes left. India then held its nerve in the closing minutes to secure a 37-34 victory.
With this win, India have now won four of the five Asian Games women’s kabaddi gold medals since the event was introduced in 2010. Iran won the title in 2018 after defeating India in the final.
India captain Pushpa Rana said the team never felt they would lose and remained focused on fighting until the end.
India and Iran will also meet in the men’s kabaddi gold medal match later on Saturday.
