India beats Iran 37-23 to advance in Asian Games women’s kabaddi

India continued their title defence at the 2026 Asian Games women’s kabaddi event with a 37-23 win over Islamic Republic of Iran in their Group A fixture at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Wednesday.

Iran started brightly, building an early 8-4 lead and asking questions of India’s defensive line. India found their footing through Pooja, whose super raid cut into Iran’s advantage before another



brilliant raid from her leveled the score and shifted momentum firmly in India’s favour.

From there, India took control, closing out the first half 19-15 with a well-rounded effort in both raiding and defence. The side carried that momentum into the second period, extending the lead steadily as Iran struggled to convert pressure into points, eventually finishing the half 18-8 to complete a 37-23 victory.