Nagoya, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Defending champions India began their men’s kabaddi title defence at the Asian Games with a comfortable 49-24 victory over hosts Japan at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture on Monday.
Asian Games debutants Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal and Ashu Malik led India’s attacking effort, with Ashu playing a key role in the team’s commanding start. India raced to an 18-2 lead after inflicting two all-outs on Japan, with Ashu producing a three-point Super Raid to extend the early advantage.
India continued to dominate and went into the interval with a 31-9 lead after inflicting three all-outs in the opening 20 minutes. Ashu spearheaded the attack, while Rahul Sethpal provided a strong presence in defence.
Japan relied heavily on bonus points for its scoring, but India maintained pressure and restricted the hosts’ opportunities. Soon after the restart, India inflicted another all-out to extend their lead to 40-12.
Japan responded strongly thereafter and outscored India during the closing phase to narrow the deficit. However, India had built an unassailable advantage and comfortably closed out their opening group-stage victory.
India will face South Korea in their second group match on Tuesday. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
India are the most successful nation in Asian Games kabaddi, having won 11 of the 13 men’s and women’s titles contested so far. The men have claimed eight gold medals from nine editions, with their only failure to win the title coming at Jakarta 2018, where they took bronze. The Indian women have won three of four titles, along with a silver in 2018.
Japan’s best Asian Games result in men’s kabaddi came at Guangzhou 2010, when the hosts won the bronze medal.
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