AICHI-NAGOYA — The roar of the kabaddi faithful echoed through the arenas of the 2026 Asian Games on Wednesday, as India cemented its status as the undisputed titan of the sport. In a breathtaking display of athleticism, tactical precision, and raw power, both the men’s and women’s kabaddi squads stormed into their respective gold-medal matches, keeping the dream of a historic double-gold sweep alive for the nation.
The victories were emphatic, leaving little doubt that India remains the gold standard in a sport that serves as a cornerstone of the country’s sporting identity. With the final hurdles now clearly in sight, the Indian contingent stands just one win away from reaffirming their supremacy on the continental stage.
India Women Overpower Nepal
The Indian women’s team set the tone early, maintaining their relentless pursuit of a fourth consecutive Asian Games gold medal. Since the sport’s inclusion in the women’s program in 2010, the Indian team has never known anything but triumph at these Games, and their semifinal encounter with Nepal proved why they remain the team to beat.
From the opening whistle, the Indian raiders moved with surgical precision, dissecting the Nepalese defense and forcing errors that led to a string of early points. By the time the halftime whistle blew, India had established a commanding 31-17 lead. A key feature of their first-half clinic was the four all-outs they inflicted upon their opponents, effectively suffocating any momentum Nepal tried to generate.
The second half saw no reprieve for the underdogs. While Nepal attempted to recalibrate, they were met by a wall of disciplined Indian defense that stifled their attacks at every turn. Nepal was held to just seven points in the second half, while the Indian attack remained fluid and aggressive. By the time the final buzzer echoed, the scoreline read a decisive 48-24.
This victory underscores a perfect tournament trajectory for the defending champions, who remain unbeaten throughout the group stages—having already dispatched formidable opponents in Iran, Bangladesh, and Japan. The composure shown by the team suggests they are more than ready for the high-stakes pressure of the final.
Men Produce Another Dominant Performance
If the women provided a clinical exhibition, the men’s team delivered an absolute masterclass of power-kabaddi against a determined Thailand side. Facing a team looking for an upset, India responded with a 66-27 demolition that left spectators in awe of their depth and technical superiority.
The match began with a blistering pace that saw India race into a substantial lead. By the break, the scorecard displayed a lopsided 37-18 advantage in favor of the Indians. While Thailand’s Theeradat Chaisit managed to spark a brief glimmer of hope for his side with a spirited offensive spell, it was merely a temporary distraction. India adjusted instantly, regained total control, and began systematically dismantling the Thai defense.
In the second half, the game transformed into a highlight reel for the Indian raiders. They consistently exploited gaps in the Thai formation, crossing the 50-point threshold with ease and showing no signs of fatigue or complacency. The final gap of 39 points was a testament to the gulf in class and preparation between the two sides. For coach and player alike, the performance was a statement: the men are not just looking to win; they are looking to dominate.
India Eye Kabaddi Double
The implications of these results extend far beyond the semifinal wins. India is now guaranteed at least two silver medals, but the hunger within the camp is clearly for the top spot on the podium.
The men’s side, in particular, is looking to put the disappointment of the 2018 Asian Games—where they secured bronze—firmly in the rearview mirror. Having reclaimed their prestige in the years since, the team is now eyeing their ninth gold medal since the sport’s debut at the Games in 1990. Their historical dominance is unparalleled, and while Iran remains the only other nation to have tasted victory in the men’s event, the current Indian squad looks as formidable as any group that has come before them.
For the women, the goal is equally clear: protect the legacy. Having held the title since 2010, they are playing for a fourth consecutive gold, a milestone that would solidify their status as one of the most successful dynasties in the history of the Asian Games.
As the tournament moves toward its climactic conclusion in Nagoya, the Indian squads have momentum, history, and form on their side. The semifinal displays were not merely about advancing; they were about sending a message to the rest of the continent that when it comes to the sport of kabaddi, all roads in Aichi-Nagoya lead to India.
The path to the gold medal is now clear, and for the players currently in the thick of this high-octane campaign, the focus shifts immediately to recovery and strategy. The final hurdle awaits, and if today’s performances are any indication, the Indian kabaddi juggernaut is showing no signs of slowing down until the gold is safely in their grasp.
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