Asian Games 2026 Kabaddi: India and Iran Reach Semi-Finals, Thailand Creates History

The men’s kabaddi event at the Asian Games 2026 has concluded its group stage, with four teams advancing to the semi-finals and securing at least a medal. The gold medal match will be held on September 26. On the fourth day, Iran ended Thailand’s winning streak with an 83-27 victory. Hosts Japan then defeated South Korea 62-35. India easily beat Chinese Taipei 37-21, but Chinese Taipei qualified for the semi-finals due to a close score margin. In the evening, Nepal won their first match, beating Malaysia 73-52, while Iran dashed Pakistan’s medal hopes with a 51-30 win. In Group A, India topped the table with four wins in four games and remains a favourite. Chinese Taipei finished second, securing their second consecutive kabaddi medal at the Asian Games with two wins. Bangladesh also won two games but missed the semi-finals due to a narrow score difference, finishing third. Hosts Japan also had two wins and finished fourth. South Korea ended at the bottom of Group A without a single win. In Group B, Iran topped the table as expected, winning all four matches like India. Thailand finished second, claiming their first-ever kabaddi medal at the Asian Games with three wins. Pakistan finished third and were eliminated, returning home without a kabaddi medal for the first time. Nepal finished fourth with one win, and Malaysia ended at the bottom without a win.