Asian Games 2026: Indian Women's Kabaddi team beats Nepal to enter final

[[{“value”:”

The reigning champion Indian women’s kabaddi team dominated their way into the final at the 2026 Asian Games, with a commanding 48-24 victory over Nepal in Friday’s semi-final clash in Aichi-Nagoya.

India started well right from the off, establishing an early 9-5 lead within the first five minutes through sharp raids, though Nepal applied steady pressure on the Indian backline. Nepal stayed competitive, executing a vital super tackle on Sonali to halt the Indian raider short of safety, keeping the margin close at 15-10.

Momentum shifted briefly when Nepal’s Ganga Ghimire delivered a brilliant four-point raid, breaking through ankle holds to cross the line. Following a thorough review, the four points were awarded, narrowing the deficit as India held a 21-15 advantage with four minutes left in the opening half.

India gradually tightened their control before the break, with standout contributions from Sanju Devi and Sonali pushing the score to a comfortable 31-17 by half-time.

Maintaining their dominance after the interval, the defending champions cruised through the second half to wrap up a 48-24 win. India will now face the winner of the semifinal between Chinese Taipei and Iran on Saturday, aiming to defend their crown and claim another gold.

Indian stars shine at the Asian Games

This kabaddi victory highlighted another successful day for the Indian contingent. Indian mixed doubles shooting pair Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet won the country’s second gold medal of the Asian Games, winning the 10m air pistol mixed team event.

The Indian duo posted a combined total of 484.6 points in the gold medal match to defeat South Korea, which settled for silver with 478.0 points. Iran captured the bronze medal after scoring 415.8 points, while Indonesia finished on 349.4 points and bowed out. 

Diya Chitale and Manush Shah (table tennis), along with Joshana Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar (squash), advanced to their respective mixed doubles semifinals to assure India of medals, while Abhay Singh entered the men’s singles squash semis. 

In hockey, the women’s team defeated Japan 3-1. Meanwhile, Indian athletes advanced in swimming, badminton, and kayaking, while facing mixed fortunes in fencing, canoe sprint, and esports.

(With inputs from ANI)

“}]]