Aichi-Nagoya, 25 September (H.S.): Defending champions India defeated Nepal 48-24 in the semifinal of the women’s kabaddi event at the 2026 Asian Games on Friday to storm into the final. The Indian team dominated proceedings throughout the contest and will now compete for the gold medal.

India made a fast start to the match and established a 9-5 lead after the opening five minutes. The Indian raiders continued to collect points, while Nepal attempted to put pressure on the Indian defence.

Nepal tried to stage a comeback by stopping Sonali with a super tackle to earn a crucial point. Despite the effort, India maintained a 15-10 lead.

Nepal’s Ganga Ghimire then produced an outstanding raid to claim four points. Despite being subjected to an ankle hold, she managed to touch the line, and after a lengthy review, her raid was awarded four points. This reduced India’s lead to 21-15.

However, the Indian team subsequently tightened its grip on the contest. Powered by effective performances from Sanju Devi and Sonali, India took a commanding 31-17 lead by the end of the first half.

India continued its dominance in the second half and gave Nepal no opportunity to make a comeback.

The Indian defence and raiding units continued to accumulate points, eventually securing a comprehensive 48-24 victory.

With this win, the defending champions have booked their place in the final of the women’s kabaddi event. India will face either Chinese Taipei or Iran in the gold-medal match, which will be played on Saturday.

The Indian team will now aim to defend its Asian Games title and add another gold medal to India’s medal tally.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar