India’s women’s kabaddi team clinched the gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Iran 37-34 in a closely contested final on Saturday.

The defending champions faced a strong challenge from Iran, with both teams battling for every point during the high-pressure gold-medal clash. India eventually held its nerve in the closing stages to secure a three-point victory.

India had entered the final with strong momentum. The team defeated Bangladesh 42-21 in its opening Group A match and later beat Iran 37-23 during the group stage. In the semifinal, India produced another commanding performance, defeating Nepal 48-24 to book its place in the final.

The final against Iran was much closer than their earlier group-stage encounter. Iran pushed India throughout the contest, but the Indian side managed to maintain its composure and finish the match with a 37-34 victory.

The gold adds another chapter to India’s strong record in women’s kabaddi at the Asian Games. India had previously won gold in 2010, 2014 and 2022, while Iran defeated India in the 2018 final.

With this victory, India have once again finished at the top of the women’s kabaddi competition at the continental Games.