India’s men’s kabaddi team produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Iran 40–34 in the final of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, successfully defending the gold medal they won at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.
Iran made India work for the title from the opening whistle. The contest remained fiercely balanced through the opening 20 minutes, with Iran taking an 18–17 lead at half-time and putting the defending champions under sustained pressure.
India, however, returned from the break with renewed intensity. Arjun Deshwal and Devank Dalal spearheaded the attack, while Sumit and Jaideep Dahiya delivered crucial defensive interventions as India gradually wrestled control away from Iran.
The turning point came when India produced a decisive All-Out, allowing the defending champions to establish a crucial cushion. Iran continued to fight until the final minutes, but India maintained their composure to close out a memorable 40–34 victory.
The triumph extends India’s remarkable record in men’s kabaddi at the Asian Games, with the team continuing its dominance in the continental competition.
The victory also completed a kabaddi golden double for India in Aichi-Nagoya. Earlier on Saturday, the Indian women’s team defeated Iran 37–34 in their final, meaning both Indian teams finished the Games with gold medals after overcoming the same opponent.