India celebrated a historic day at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, by sweeping both the men’s and women’s kabaddi gold medals after defeating arch-rival Iran in two thrilling finals. Led by a second-half resurgence, the Indian men’s team secured a 40-34 victory, while the women’s team defended their crown with a 37-34 win. The double gold capped off a 7-medal Saturday haul for India.

The Indian men’s kabaddi team reasserted its dominance in Asian Games history by claiming their ninth overall gold medal. Trailing 17-18 at halftime against a formidable Iranian squad, India produced a tactical second-half comeback. Key performances from Sumit in defense and raider Arjun Deshwal turned the momentum, forcing crucial All-Outs to pull away for a 40-34 win.

Earlier in the day, the Indian women’s kabaddi team secured India’s fourth gold medal of the Games by holding off Iran 37-34 in a high-voltage final. Building a 22-16 lead by halftime, the women’s team maintained composure in the closing minutes, executing a vital late tackle to defend their Asian Games crown. (Asian games 2026 Medals)

Beyond kabaddi, Indian athletes delivered remarkable podium finishes across track and field, shooting, and squash:

• Sawan Barwal set a new national record of 2:11:37 in the men’s marathon, ending India’s 44-year wait for an Asian Games marathon medal.
• Tejinderpal Singh Toor added to India’s athletics tally by securing a silver medal in the men’s shot put event.
• The trio of Tillottama Sen, Vidarsa K. Vinod, and Ashi Chouksey took silver in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions team event, while Prachi Choudhary clocked a personal best of 53.21 seconds to win bronze in the women’s 400m.
• Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar claimed bronze in mixed doubles squash, while the Indian men’s hockey team advanced to the semifinals with a 2-0 victory over hosts Japan.
• The Indian men’s kabaddi team defeated Iran 40-34, while the Indian women’s kabaddi team beat Iran 37-34.
• Sawan Barwal won the silver medal in the men’s marathon with a national record timing of 2:11:37, ending a 44-year medal drought in the event.