Both the Iranian men's and women's kabaddi teams have received information about their opponents in the group stage of the upcoming Asian Games 2026, which will be held in Tehran.
Men's Team Group Stage
The Iranian men's national team has been placed in the relatively favorable Group B. In this group, they will compete against teams from Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, and Malaysia. Meanwhile, Group A includes India, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, and Japan.
Prospects and Threats
Iran aims to strengthen its status as one of Asia's leading kabaddi nations. In Group B, Pakistan remains the main rival for Iran, while India, a traditionally strong team, will await Iran in the playoffs after competing in Group A.
Women's Team Challenges
The Iranian women's national team faces a much more difficult draw. They are placed in Group A alongside the host nation Japan, Bangladesh, and reigning champions India, making this group highly competitive.
Group Composition and Tournament
The women's Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, and Nepal. For the women's team, every match in Group A exerts immense pressure, as India is the benchmark in women's kabaddi, and the Japanese team, as hosts, will receive strong fan support. To advance, Iran must achieve the best possible result from the first game.
The XX Asian Games will take place in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. Over 12,000 athletes from 45 countries will participate in the competitions. Iran will send a delegation of 282 athletes representing 39 sports.
