Kabaddi — Asian Games 2026

Kabaddi — Asian Games 2026
Why in News?
India won the men’s kabaddi gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games, defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran 40–34 in the final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium, Aichi. It was India’s ninth men’s kabaddi title at the Asian Games.
Asian Games Record
•    Nine Titles: India have won 9 of the 10 men’s kabaddi titles contested at the Asian Games. The only exception was Jakarta 2018, when Iran won the gold.
•    2026 Final: India defeated Iran 40–34, with the Indian defence playing a decisive role in the second half. Sumit made several crucial tackles, while Arjun Deshwal and Aslam Inamdar contributed important raids.
Tournament Structure
•    10-Team Competition: The men’s kabaddi tournament featured 10 teams divided into two groups of five.
•    Group A: India, Bangladesh, Republic of Korea, Chinese Taipei and Japan.
•    Group B: Islamic Republic of Iran, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan and Malaysia.
•    Knockout Stage: After the round-robin stage, the top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals.
•    Bronze Medals: Thailand and Chinese Taipei won bronze after losing their respective semi-finals.
Key Features of Kabaddi
•    Contact Team Sport: Kabaddi combines tag and wrestling, with players attempting to score points while avoiding or overcoming defenders.
•    Seven Players: A team has seven players on the field. Teams take turns sending a raider into the opponent’s half.
•    Raid: The raider attempts to touch opposing players and return to their own half. A successful touch earns points and can put the touched defenders out of play.
•    Defence: Defenders can avoid the raider’s touch or grapple with and tackle the raider to prevent the return to the home half.
•    Breath Control: Traditionally, the raider chants “kabaddi” continuously while attempting the raid, making breath control a distinctive feature of the sport.