New Delhi. The Indian women’s kabaddi team successfully defended their Asian Games title, edging Iran 37‑34 in a tightly contested final. Despite a spirited comeback from Iran in the second half, India held firm in the dying minutes to secure the gold medal.
India Command the First Half
The opening spell was evenly matched, with points exchanged rapidly. Gradually, India’s raiders and defenders clicked, applying sustained pressure that forced an Iranian error and an all‑out, pushing the score to 13‑10. The momentum continued, and the Indian defence denied Iran any easy raids, allowing the hosts to head into the break with a 22‑16 advantage.
Iran Stages a Comeback After the Interval
Revitalised at halftime, Iran narrowed the gap, mounting relentless attacks that even resulted in an all‑out against India. The contest grew tense as the Iranian side chipped away at the lead, but India responded with disciplined defending and seized crucial points at pivotal moments to keep the scoreboard in their favour.
India Holds Its Nerve in the Final Minutes
The closing stage turned into a point‑for‑point battle. India maintained an aggressive raiding strategy while its defence stayed composed under pressure. The Indian players delivered their best performance when it mattered most, thwarting Iran’s late rally and sealing a 37‑34 win to claim the gold.
Earlier Group‑Stage Triumph Over Iran
India had already met Iran in the group phase, dispatching the opposition with a convincing 37‑23 win. The final victory completed an unbeaten campaign and ensured the Indian women retained their Asian Games kabaddi supremacy.
