Indian Women's Kabaddi Team Secures Gold at 2026 Asian Games with...
India's women's kabaddi team clinched the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, by defeating Iran 37-34 in a high-stakes final....
By GT24x7 Reporter··GlobalToday24x7
In a major achievement for the Indian contingent at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the Indian women's kabaddi team captured the gold medal after defeating fierce rivals Iran 37-34 in a thrilling final match. Maintaining an undefeated record throughout the tournament, the team successfully defended its continental title, securing India's third gold medal at the ongoing Games.
The final turned into a closely contested battle from the opening minutes, with both sides trading points through high-intensity raids and tactical defense. During the closing stages of the second half, the Indian defensive unit executed a crucial tackle on Iran's raider, effectively sealing the 37-34 victory as time expired.
Historic Marathon Silver and Shooting Podium Success
Adding to the day's achievements, Indian long-distance runner Sawan Barwal created history by winning the silver medal in the men's marathon event. Clocking a national record time of 2:11:37, Barwal ended a 44-year wait for an Indian medal in the Asian Games marathon, tracing back to the 1982 New Delhi Games. He finished behind Japan's Ichitaka Yamashita, who secured the gold medal.
In target shooting, the Indian trio of Tilottama Sen, Vidarsa Vinod, and Ashi Chouksey earned a silver medal in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions team event with a collective score of 1,763 points. China took the gold medal by setting a new Asian Games record with 1,773 points. While Sen and Vinod advanced to the individual final, India missed out on individual podium finishes in the discipline.
Advances in Boxing, Racquet Sports, and Track Events
India's contingent saw progress across several other disciplines during the day's schedule. In boxing, Kapil Pokhariya advanced to the quarterfinals of the men's 91kg weight category following a unanimous 5-0 victory over Iran's Sam Estaki. However, Jadumani Singh exited the competition in the 55kg category after a 0-3 loss against the Philippines' Carlo Paalam.
In squash, Abhay Singh advanced to the men's singles final, while 18-year-old Anahat Singh secured a spot in the women's singles final following a five-game victory over Japan's Satomi Watanabe. In badminton, Olympic medalist PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen were scheduled for their respective singles encounters. Meanwhile, on the track, Gulveer Singh qualified for the men's 1500m final, while Parul Chaudhary and Pooja qualified for the women's 1500m final event.
Following these achievements across disciplines, President of India Droupadi Murmu extended official congratulations to all medal winners for their performances representing the nation on the international stage.