India Wins Both Kabaddi Golds on the Same Day
September 26, 2026 turned into one of the better days in India's multi-sport history at the Asian Games. At the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi, India's men's and women's kabaddi teams both won gold medals, defending the titles they had claimed at the 2022 Hangzhou Games and confirming their status as the sport's dominant continental force.
Quick Answer: Did India win kabaddi gold at Asian Games 2026? Yes. Both the men's and women's teams won gold medals on September 26, 2026, at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium, Aichi, Japan.
The Squads That Delivered
The women's gold came first. The squad that defended the title included Pushpa Rana, Bhavna Thakur, Jyoti Thakur, Manisha Kumari, Nikita Kumari, Pinki Roy, Pooja Hathwala, Raj Rani, Ritu Negi, Ritu Sheoran, Sanju Devi and Sonali Shingate. This was a team that had come through its group stage without a defeat and continued that record in the knockout rounds.
The men's gold followed later in the day. Pawan Sehrawat, who had carried the Indian tricolour at the opening ceremony alongside shooter Manu Bhaker, led a squad that included Sunil Kumar, Ankit Jaglan, Arjun Deshwal, Ashu Malik, Aslam Inamdar, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, Gaurav Khatri, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal and Sumit Sangwan. The men's team had beaten Japan 49-23 in their earlier group match and South Korea 63-31 in another, suggesting the tournament was going exactly as India had planned it.
Why This Result Matters
Kabaddi has been part of the Asian Games programme since the 1990 Beijing edition. India won gold at every tournament from the sport's debut through 2014 without dropping a single match. The narrative shifted slightly in later years as South Korea and Iran developed competitive programmes, but India has maintained its position at the top of the continental game.
Winning both titles in the same edition, on the same day, confirms a level of dominance that no other nation has matched in this sport. The women's programme in particular has grown significantly since 2010, when the women's event was first included in the Asian Games, and consecutive gold medals show the depth of talent India is now producing.
India's Asian Games 2026 Medal Tally Context
| Sport | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kabaddi | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Shooting | 1 | 6 | 4 | 11 |
| Cricket | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Athletics | 0 | 6 | 7 | 13 |
| Squash | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Weightlifting | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Pawan Sehrawat - The Face of Indian Kabaddi
Sehrawat had been named a joint flag bearer at the opening ceremony, a recognition of his standing in Indian sport. The 27-year-old from Haryana has been the anchor of India's men's kabaddi programme for several years, combining aggressive raiding with experience under pressure. His Asian Games gold in Nagoya is the latest in a list of titles that already includes Pro Kabaddi League victories and international medals at previous editions of the continental games.
Key Takeaways
- India won both men's and women's kabaddi gold medals at Asian Games 2026 on September 26.
- Both teams are defending champions from the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
- Pawan Sehrawat led the men's squad; the women's squad included Ritu Negi and Pushpa Rana among others.
- India's kabaddi gold medals form part of a broader Asian Games campaign that had collected multiple medals across shooting, cricket and athletics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did India win kabaddi gold at Asian Games 2026?
Yes. Both the men's and women's teams won gold medals on September 26, 2026, at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi, Japan.
Who was in India's men's kabaddi squad at Asian Games 2026?
The squad included Pawan Sehrawat, Sunil Kumar, Ankit Jaglan, Arjun Deshwal, Ashu Malik, Aslam Inamdar, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal, Gaurav Khatri, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal and Sumit Sangwan.
Has India always won kabaddi gold at the Asian Games?
India has been the dominant force since the sport's debut at the 1990 Asian Games. The women's programme was added in 2010, and India has won gold in every women's edition since.
Conclusion
Two gold medals, one sport, one day. India's kabaddi programme delivered precisely what was expected and confirmed that the gap between India and the rest of the continent remains substantial. The results add two more gold medals to a tally that has been building steadily across shooting, cricket, athletics and other sports throughout the Nagoya Games.
