India’s defending champions remained firmly on course for another Asian Games kabaddi double as both the women’s and men’s teams powered into the finals with commanding victories on Friday.
The women’s team defeated Nepal 48-24 in the semifinal, while the men followed with an equally dominant 66-28 win over Thailand to book their places in the respective summit clashes.
The victories kept both Indian teams unbeaten in their Asian Games campaigns and strengthened their bid to retain the titles won at the previous Games.
Women maintain march towards fourth successive gold
The Indian women produced a clinical performance against Nepal, establishing control early and never allowing their opponents to build any sustained momentum.
India led 31-17 at half-time, setting up the semifinal with a 14-point advantage. The defending champions continued to dictate the contest after the break, extending their lead before closing out a comfortable 48-24 victory.
The win keeps India’s remarkable Asian Games run alive as they chase a fourth consecutive women’s kabaddi gold medal.
India had previously topped the women’s kabaddi podium at the 2010 Guangzhou, 2014 Incheon and 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, while the 2022 Hangzhou edition also saw India retain the title.
With another final now secured, the Indian women are one win away from extending their dominance on the continental stage.
Men also through in emphatic fashion
The Indian men were equally ruthless in their semifinal against Thailand, producing a 66-28 victory to seal their place in the final.
India’s superiority was evident throughout the contest as the defending champions maintained the intensity and control that have marked their campaign.
The men’s team will now look to complete another successful title defence and add another Asian Games gold to India’s impressive kabaddi record.
Both Indian teams will enter their finals with their unbeaten records intact, setting up a potentially historic double for the defending champions.
For India, Friday’s twin victories were another statement of strength in a sport where the country has established itself as the benchmark in Asian Games competition.
