Asian Games: India storm into men's, women's kabaddi semi-finals with dominant wins

Defending champions India stormed into the men's and women's kabaddi semi-finals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after completing unbeaten Group A campaigns with dominant victories on Thursday.

The Indian men's team defeated Chinese Taipei 37-21 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium to finish the group stage with four wins from four matches. They had earlier beaten South Korea, Japan and Bangladesh.

The victory assured India of at least a bronze medal as they continued their bid to retain the Asian Games title.

INDIA DOMINATE FROM START

India made a strong start against Chinese Taipei, with Aslam Inamdar and Rahul Sethpal putting the opposition under pressure. Sethpal was particularly effective in defence, with his ankle holds repeatedly frustrating the Chinese Taipei raiders.

India soon inflicted an all-out to open up a sizeable advantage, although Chinese Taipei responded with thigh holds, Super Tackles and bonus points to remain in contention.

The defending champions continued to find points at both ends of the mat and secured another all-out before half-time to take a commanding 23-11 lead into the break.

Chinese Taipei attempted to fight back after the restart, with Chung-mao Chang producing an important ankle hold. India, however, remained composed and continued to apply pressure through their raiders.

Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab helped India keep the scoreboard moving, while the defence restricted Chinese Taipei's scoring opportunities.

India eventually secured another all-out to tighten their grip on the contest. Chinese Taipei managed nine bonus points and two Super Tackles, but could not match India's consistency.

India collected 28 points through successful raids, three bonus points and six points from all-outs. They won the second half 14-10 to complete a 16-point victory.

The result further extended India's remarkable record in men's kabaddi at the Asian Games. Since the sport was introduced at the continental event in 1990, India have won nine medals, including eight golds. Their run of gold medals was interrupted only at the 2018 Asian Games, when they finished with bronze.

India will play their semi-final on September 25, with the defending champions now two wins away from another Asian Games gold medal.

WOMEN JOIN MEN IN SEMIS

The Indian women's team also completed an unbeaten Group A campaign with a commanding 50-25 win over hosts Japan.

India dominated from the outset and raced to a 32-13 lead at half-time before adding another 18 points after the break.

The defending champions collected 37 points from successful raids, seven bonus points and six points from all-outs.

India had earlier defeated Bangladesh in their opening match before beating Iran 37-23. The victory over Japan saw them finish on top of Group A and seal their place in the semi-finals.

With both teams through to the last four, India remain in contention for a second successive men's and women's kabaddi gold double at the Asian Games.