India's men's kabaddi team produced a dominant display against Thailand on Friday, winning 66-28 to book their place in the gold medal match at the Asian
Games 2026.
The defending champions made a blistering start at the semi-final, racing to a 13-2 lead after inflicting an early all-out on Thailand. India maintained control through the opening half despite a brief response from their opponents, going into the break with a commanding 37-18 advantage.
Thailand struggled to contain India's raiding and defensive units, with the Indian side repeatedly extending the gap as the match progressed. Even after Thailand managed to inflict an all-out on India to reduce the deficit to 24-14, India quickly regained control and moved 30-17 ahead with just over two minutes remaining in the opening half.
India pull away after half-time
The second half followed a similar pattern, with India continuing to dictate the contest and Thailand unable to sustain any meaningful comeback.
India held a 19-point advantage at the start of the second period and steadily extended it. Sumit Kumar played a key role defensively, producing a strong tackle on Khomkrit to push India's lead to 55-25.
With just over three minutes remaining, Sumit again provided the decisive defensive intervention, locking Choisit Theeradit's ankle to complete another all-out and take India to a 64-27 lead.
Thailand managed a late bonus through Theeradit, but it was little more than a consolation as India closed out a 66-28 victory.
India set up Asian Games kabaddi final
The victory sends India into the men's kabaddi final, where they will face either Iran or Chinese Taipei. The second semi-final will determine India's opponent in Saturday's gold medal match.
India entered the tournament as the reigning Asian Games champions after winning gold at Hangzhou in 2023. The men's team will now have the opportunity to defend that title.
India's women's team also reached the final earlier on Friday, defeating Nepal 48-24 in their semi-final. With both teams through to the summit clash, India are now assured of two kabaddi medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
Both gold medal matches will be played on Saturday.
