What is the story about?
India retained their Asian Games men's kabaddi gold medal after beating the Islamic Republic of Iran 40-34 in the final at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi on Saturday.
The victory gave India their ninth men's kabaddi gold in 10 Asian Games editions. India had won seven consecutive titles before finishing fourth at the 2018 Jakarta Games, where Iran won gold. India reclaimed the title at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
How India retained the kabaddi gold
Iran made the early move: India were reduced to two players and trailed 7-9 before Jaideep Dahiya produced a crucial super tackle on Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh.
Iran led at half-time: Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh helped Iran secure the first all-out of the match. Iran went into the break 18-17 ahead. The 17-18 score at the break is also reflected in live match reporting.
India fought back: India responded in the second half through their defence and raiding unit, eventually moving ahead 24-23 and then opening a 29-24 lead.
Sumit's defence proved crucial: Sumit was among India's key defenders as the Indian unit stepped up in the second half and disrupted Iran's attack.
India held their nerve: Iran continued to collect points through Shadloui, but India maintained their advantage. The final score was 40-34.
India's road to the final
India were drawn in Group A with Bangladesh, the Republic of Korea, Chinese Taipei and Japan, while Iran were in Group B with Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan and Malaysia. The top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals.
India went unbeaten in the group stage, including wins over Japan, the Republic of Korea, Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei. They then defeated Thailand 66-28 in the semi-final to reach the final.
The victory gave India their ninth men's kabaddi gold in 10 Asian Games editions. India had won seven consecutive titles before finishing fourth at the 2018 Jakarta Games, where Iran won gold. India reclaimed the title at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
How India retained the kabaddi gold
Iran made the early move: India were reduced to two players and trailed 7-9 before Jaideep Dahiya produced a crucial super tackle on Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh.
Iran led at half-time: Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh helped Iran secure the first all-out of the match. Iran went into the break 18-17 ahead. The 17-18 score at the break is also reflected in live match reporting.
India fought back: India responded in the second half through their defence and raiding unit, eventually moving ahead 24-23 and then opening a 29-24 lead.
Sumit's defence proved crucial: Sumit was among India's key defenders as the Indian unit stepped up in the second half and disrupted Iran's attack.
India held their nerve: Iran continued to collect points through Shadloui, but India maintained their advantage. The final score was 40-34.
India's road to the final
India were drawn in Group A with Bangladesh, the Republic of Korea, Chinese Taipei and Japan, while Iran were in Group B with Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan and Malaysia. The top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals.
India went unbeaten in the group stage, including wins over Japan, the Republic of Korea, Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei. They then defeated Thailand 66-28 in the semi-final to reach the final.
