India vs Iran Kabaddi final, Asian Games 2026: India clinch 9th gold as men join women to complete golden double

And it's done!! India got the gold medal. They have won nine out of ten editions of the Asian Games. India register 40-34 win as the men's team join the women's team to do the double in kabaddi. Fourth gold medal of the 2026 edition of the Asian Games for India.

Arjun Deshwal has been the standout performer for India, and there seems to be a lack of communication within the Iranian camp. Iran are desperate and India are just in cruise control in the gold medal match.

India 37-30 Iran

The Iranian camp is trying to force one-on-one tackles, but the tactic is not working. India are in a comfortable eight point lead and India are well within sight of yet another gold.

India 36-28 Iran

Just six minutes are left on the clock and Iran are trailing by seven points. India are showing experience. The Iranian supporters try to get behind their team. Ali Samadi has been very ordinary in the second half and his lack of clarity has resulted in empty raids for Iran.

India 34-27 Iran

India are now running away with the contest and the onus is on Iran to make the play. The lead has extended to seven points.

India 33-26 Iran

India got the all out that they were waiting for. India deliver a hammer blow and Iran calls for a timeout. Five point advantage for India and 10 minutes left in the gold medal match.

India 29-24 Iran

A super tackle from Iran and India's top raider is on the floor. Iran get two points and India's lead comes down to one point.

India 24-23 Iran

Sumit leads the charge from the left corner, and the rest of the players jump in to help India take another point. India's lead extends by three points.

India 24-21 Iran

Blockbuster stuff! A super tackle gets the Iranian player down and India get the point to take the lead. However, the lead is just one point and we still have 15 minutes left more to see. What a spectacle these two teams are putting on.

India get three quickfire points and the scoreline is once again on level points.

India 20-20 Iran

Iran extend their lead to three points, and India have just three defenders left. Ali Samadi is tackled by the three defenders and India get the two points. Iran's lead now just down to one point.

Iran 20-19 India

Second half begins and it's all to play for. India playing on a do-or-die raid strategy. India have to make the play here for gold!!

India earned three bonus points in the first half, while Iran earned one. One technical point was awarded to India, and the side also got two super tackle points. India also got one green card, while Iran didn't get any.

Zafar goes for the tackle, he went for a knee roll and the reinforcements arrived. With that, the half-time is here. Iran take the lead. A one point lead for Iran

Iran 18-17 India

The Indian camp unleashes fury for a solid tackle and just like that the defending champions extend their lead to 17-14.

Zafardanesh gets the job done against his captain in the Pro Kabaddi League, helping Iran reduce India's lead. India are down to two men, and Zafardanesh gets the required points to help Iran take the lead.

Iran 14-13 India

Arjun Deshwal shows who's the boss! The Iranian contingent went for a knee hold, but Deshwal shows his class and helps India get the point.

India 11-9 Iran

Jaideep and Sunil unleash a super tackle, and it helps them get a 10-8 lead! Finally, something to smile about for the Indian team. Solid bruise to the ego of Iran!

It's not been 10 minutes since the match started, but a fight is breaking out for every possible point. Players from both teams are piling on the pressure on referees for every single point.

India 8-8 Iran

Devank is quite agitated and makes it clear that he got a touch on Iran's Amirhossein Bastami. A penalty is given against Iran for now. India captain Sunil Kumar also handed a warning as tempers continue to flare between the two teams.

India 7-5 Iran

The Indian team forces Iran to take a timeout and this leads to some serious soul searching. However, Iran rediscovers their mojo to level the scoreline at 5-5.

A super tackle helps India to level the score. Super Tackle! The Indian trio trapped the Iranian raider for two points! Devank then sends the Iranian captain Atrachali back to the bench, and with this, India take a 5-4 lead.

Iran bounce back in style and launch a tackle on their own. And just like that the scoreline is levelled. A second later, Iran goes into the lead. Iran knows the Indian players inside out. And the familiarity is showing.

Ali Samadi was the one who opened the scoring for Iran.

Iran 4 India 2

India is off to a good start to take a 2-0 lead! Shadloui, who isn't a stranger to India’s Pro Kabaddi League, is tackled and hence India get on the board.

The Indian and Iranian teams are out and the match is about to begin. Let's go!! Expect plenty of fireworks!!!!