Tokai, September 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s men’s kabaddi team stormed into the final of the 2026 Asian Games with a commanding 66-28 semifinal victory over Thailand at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium on Friday.
The eight-time Asian Games champions and defending title holders produced a dominant display across both halves to reach the men’s final for the ninth time. India will now face either Iran or Chinese Taipei in the gold-medal match as they bid to retain the title won in 2023.
India established control early, taking a 37-18 lead into halftime. The Indian team registered 21 outs, collected 12 bonus points and executed two All Outs in the opening half. Thailand managed 13 outs, three bonus points and one All Out during the first 20 minutes.
The Indian dominance continued after the break, with the team adding 29 points while restricting Thailand to just 10. India recorded 22 outs, three bonus points and two All Outs in the second half. Thailand managed seven out points, two bonus points and one technical point.
India remain unbeaten in the tournament after winning all four of their Group A matches before their emphatic semifinal victory.
Earlier in the day, India’s women’s kabaddi team also booked a place in the final after defeating Nepal 48-24.
The Indian women dominated proceedings from the outset, opening up a 31-17 lead by halftime. They added another 17 points in the second half while Nepal could manage only seven.
India’s attack and defence remained effective throughout the semifinal. In the first half, India registered 23 out points, four bonus points and two All Outs, while Nepal recorded 13 out points, three bonus points and a Super Tackle.
India continued to control the contest after the interval, adding 12 out points, three bonus points and an All Out. Nepal managed five out points and two bonus points in the second half.
Both Indian teams will now compete for gold in their respective finals at the Asian Games.
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