Aichi-Nagoya, 25 September (H.S.): Eight-time champions and defending champions India stormed into the final of the men’s kabaddi event at the 2026 Asian Games with a commanding 66-28 victory over Thailand in the semifinal. India are now one win away from successfully defending their title.

India have reached the final of the men’s kabaddi competition for the ninth time. The team produced a dominant performance throughout the contest, maintaining control over Thailand in both halves. India scored 37 points in the first half, while Thailand managed 18. India added another 29 points in the second half, with Thailand scoring only 10.

In the first half, India secured 21 all-out points, 12 bonus points and two all-outs. Thailand collected 13 all-out points and three bonus points and effected one all-out. Thailand initially attempted to challenge India, but the Indian side quickly established control. At half-time, India held a commanding 37-18 lead.

In the second half, India registered 22 all-out points and three bonus points and added two more all-outs. Thailand managed seven all-out points, two bonus points and one technical point during the period. India turned the contest into a one-sided affair through relentless raiding and a strong defensive display. Thailand’s players appeared to struggle with fatigue, which India capitalised on fully. Devank produced a series of impressive raids to keep the points coming, while Ayan, Arjun Deshwal and Aslam Inamdar also contributed to India’s growing advantage.

The Indian men’s team remains unbeaten in the competition. After winning all four of its matches in Group A, India followed it up with another emphatic victory in the semifinal. India will face either Iran or Chinese Taipei in the final.

Women’s Team Also Reach Final

Earlier, the Indian women’s kabaddi team also reached the final after defeating Nepal 48-24. India dominated from the outset in the semifinal and took a 31-17 lead into half-time. India added 17 points in the second half, while Nepal managed only seven.

In the first half, India registered 23 all-out points, four bonus points and two all-outs. Nepal collected 13 all-out points and three bonus points, while also producing one super tackle.

India continued to dominate in the second half, securing 12 all-out points, three bonus points and one all-out. Nepal managed only five all-out points and two bonus points during the period.

With these victories, both India’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams have advanced to the finals at the Asian Games.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar