India's men's kabaddi team advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Games 2026 with a perfect Group A record after defeating Chinese Taipei 37-21 on Thursday.
India, which had already established itself at the top of the group, produced a controlled performance to maintain its unbeaten run. The win confirmed its place in the last four, while Japan also progressed from Group A.
India make strong start after early Chinese Taipei resistance
Chinese Taipei opened the scoring through Chia-Ming Chuang, but Pawan Sehrawat quickly responded for India, escaping a thigh hold to register India's first point.
India's defence then began to take control, with Aslam Inamdar and Rahul contributing early defensive points. Chinese Taipei briefly stayed close at 5-4 after Wu Jin produced a super tackle on Pawan and Lun-Chu Wang added a bonus point.
India, however, soon opened up a gap. Arjun Deshwal and Aslam picked up raid points before India completed its first all-out to move 10-5 ahead.
Chinese Taipei's defence continued to frustrate Pawan on several occasions, but India's depth in attack kept the scoreboard moving. Aslam added another raid point before India secured a second all-out late in the half.
India went into the break with a commanding 23-11 lead.
India maintain control after half-time
Chinese Taipei attempted to fight back after the restart, with Xian-ya Peng picking up raid points. India, though, remained composed and continued to build its advantage.
Ayan Lochchab and Ashu Malik contributed important raid points, while India's defensive unit continued to restrict Chinese Taipei's scoring opportunities.
Devang Dalal also made his presence felt in the closing stages, picking up a touch point before adding a bonus on a do-or-die raid.
Chinese Taipei managed to narrow the gap slightly at different stages of the second half, but India never allowed the contest to become a close one. The Indian defence continued to hold firm as the team managed the clock in the final minutes.
India seal perfect Group A record
India eventually completed a 37-21 victory to finish the group stage with a perfect record and advance to the semifinals.
The result underlined India's consistency across the group stage, with the side now turning its attention to the knockout phase as it continues its campaign for the Asian Games title.
Japan also progressed from Group A and will face Iran in the semifinal.
