Aichi, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s men’s kabaddi team stayed so focused on the Asian Games final against Iran that the players avoided eating before the match, vice-captain Pawan Sehrawat revealed after the defending champions secured a 40-34 victory to retain their title on Saturday.
“Khali pet gold jita hai,” Sehrawat said, describing how the team had decided to eat properly only after completing the 40-minute final. The Indian team came from behind after trailing Iran 18-17 at half-time to seal its ninth Asian Games gold in men’s kabaddi.
Speaking after the match, Sehrawat said the players understood the importance of the final despite having prepared thoroughly.
“I was very excited about the match. I was very excited about what was going to happen in the match in the evening. Even if we know that we are playing well, we have practised well. But until the result comes, it stays in the mind. Those 40 minutes were important,” he said.
India produced a strong second-half performance at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium, with Arjun Deshwal and Devank Dalal leading the attack and defenders Sumit and Jaideep Dahiya making crucial interventions. India opened up a five-point advantage after Arjun got past Iran captain Fazel Atrachali and helped create an All-Out with 10 minutes remaining. Sumit then made a decisive tackle on Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh, while Rahul Sethpal contributed another important defensive effort late in the contest.
Sehrawat said the players had agreed that the emotional tension of the final would end once the 40 minutes were completed.
“Everyone is emotional, so I get emotional at such moments. And it was that once the 40 minutes are over, we will eat and drink well,” he said.
The vice-captain also spoke about the team’s awareness of India’s overall medal tally during the Games, saying the players had tried to keep track of the country’s position before largely putting their phones aside.
Sehrawat dedicated his gold medal to his coach Randhir Sehrawat and urged the government to consider him for the Dronacharya Award, noting that several Arjuna Award-winning players had trained under him.
Reflecting on his role as India’s flag-bearer alongside shooter Manu Bhaker at the opening ceremony, Sehrawat praised Japan and called the experience a memorable one.
India’s men’s team entered the tournament as defending champions and completed an unbeaten campaign before overcoming Iran in the final. Sunil Kumar was the team captain, with Sehrawat serving as vice-captain.
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