New Delhi. The Indian women’s kabaddi squad kept their Asian Games crown intact by edging Iran 37‑34 in a nail‑biting final. Despite a fierce comeback from the Iranians in the second half, India held firm in the dying minutes to clinch the gold.
The win marks India’s second back‑to‑back women’s kabaddi gold at the Asian Games, following the triumph in Hangzhou. It also represents the third Asian Games final clash between the two nations, with India now victorious in two of those encounters.
India Sets the Pace Early
The contest opened on an even keel, with both sides exchanging points in the opening exchanges. Gradually, India’s raiders and defenders clicked, applying sustained pressure that forced Iran onto the back foot.
A defensive slip from Iran handed India an all‑out, pushing the score to 13‑10. The Indian side kept expanding the lead as the first half progressed, while Iran struggled to find easy scoring chances.
At the halftime break, India headed into the interval with a 22‑16 advantage.
Iran Stages a Comeback After the Break
Rejuvenated after the break, Iran began chipping away at the deficit. Their renewed vigor put India under strain, and the Iranians even managed to force an all‑out against the Indian defence.
As the gap narrowed, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Nevertheless, India answered with a resolute defensive stand, reclaiming momentum through timely points at crucial junctures.
India Keeps Its Nerve in the Final Minutes
The closing stages turned into a point‑for‑point battle. India continued to press forward offensively while its defence stayed composed under pressure.
When it mattered most, the Indian players delivered their finest performance, thwarting Iran’s last‑ditch push and sealing a 37‑34 win to lift the gold.
Group‑Stage Preview of Dominance
Earlier in the tournament, India had already met Iran in the group phase, cruising to a 37‑23 triumph.
This final victory capped an unbeaten campaign and ensured the Indian women retained their Asian Games kabaddi title.
