India's history of dominance in kabaddi is unfolding again at the Asian Games. Although this story is familiar, every competition brings new excitement. In Nagoya, instead of changing the picture, history is repeating itself: both the men's and women's Indian teams have reached the final, and after 11 gold medals, the call is to win the twelfth.
On Friday, the Indian women's team advanced to the final by defeating Nepal with a score of 48-24, followed by the men's team securing a convincing victory over Thailand with a score of 66-28, thus earning their spot in the final match. Both teams are current champions and remain undefeated in Nagoya, setting the stage for the next chapter of India's golden era in kabaddi.
In the semi-final, the Indian women's squad took control of the game in the first half, winning against Nepal 31-17. It was then clear what the match's direction would be. The Indian team strengthened its lead in the first half, scoring four 'out's and four bonus points. Although Nepal had a chance to come back in the second half, their efforts could not counter the Indian defense and attack. In the second half, Nepal managed only to add seven points, and India advanced to the final, winning the match 48-24.
Women's kabaddi was included in the Asian Games for the first time in 2010, and since then, India has won gold in every tournament. Before Nagoya, the Indian women had three gold and one silver medal. Now they have the chance to win another consecutive title.
Following the women's victory, the men's team also reached the final in a similar fashion. The Indian athletes maintained control over the game against Thailand from the start. In the first half, India led 37-18. The situation did not change in the second half either; the Indian team did not give Thailand a chance to comeback and ultimately won by a huge margin of 66-28.
India's aggressiveness can be seen in the bonus points: the Indian team earned 15 bonus points, while Thailand managed only five. The 38-point difference on the scoreboard clearly indicates the dominance of the Indian team.
Men's kabaddi was introduced to the Asian Games in 1990, and India has won eight gold medals. Before Nagoya, the Indian men's division had 8 gold and one bronze medal, totaling nine awards. The most notable aspect of this statistic is that besides India, only Iran has been the world champion in men's kabaddi at the Asian Games. Iran won gold in 2018, and in that edition, India unexpectedly settled for a bronze medal.
The situation in 2018 was the only significant exception in the long golden era of Indian kabaddi. After that, India recaptured the title, and now its focus is on the next gold in Nagoya.
Before Nagoya, the men's and women's teams in Indian kabaddi had a total of 11 gold medals—8 for men and 3 for women. Now both teams are in the final. This means India has two chances to increase its gold medal count in one Asian Games. If both teams win their finals, the number of golds in the men's division will increase to 9, and in the women's to 4. In total, the number of Indian kabaddi gold medals will reach 13.
Nevertheless, the challenge remains in the final. In both divisions, India will face the winner of the match between Iran and Taiwan.
In the history of the Asian Games, among India's eight gold medals in men's kabaddi, only one belongs to Iran. In the women's division, India has taken first place in every tournament held. This is why India's success in kabaddi is not limited to one team or one generation. Both Indian teams in Nagoya stand on the threshold of continuing this legacy. Winning the semi-final has certainly simplified the task, but the true crown awaits in the final.
The brilliance of 11 gold medals is already present. Now in Nagoya, the question is not just about a medal, but about adding a new chapter to this golden legacy. With the men's and women's teams in the final, the next scene of India's 'kingly title' in the kabaddi arena is ready.
