Archive · 21 Sep 2026
India Open Asian Games Kabaddi Title Defence With Japan Win
India’s men’s kabaddi team began defending its Asian Games title with a win.
They beat hosts Japan 49-24 on Monday.
India played very strongly in the first half and led 31-9 at halftime.
Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal and Ashu Malik helped India score through raids.
India earned points by sending Japanese players out, completing all-outs and making super tackles.
Japan played better after halftime, but India kept a comfortable lead.
India will next play South Korea in Group A. One report said India’s women had already beaten Bangladesh 42-21, while another said their match was still to come.
Defending champions India defeated hosts Japan 49-24 in their opening men’s Group A match.
India led 31-9 at halftime after dominating the first half through strong raiding.
Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal and Ashu Malik were among India’s leading attackers.
India’s scoring included 36 out points, eight all-out points and two super-tackle points.
India will face South Korea next, while reports differed on whether the women’s team had already beaten Bangladesh 42-21 or was yet to begin its campaign.
- Who
- The defending champion Indian men’s kabaddi team and hosts Japan.
- What
- India won its opening Group A match 49-24.
- When
- Monday; India’s next men’s match is on Tuesday.
- Where
- Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture.
- Why
- India was beginning its defence of the Asian Games kabaddi title.
- Final score
- India 49, Japan 24
- Halftime score
- India led Japan 31-9
- India’s scoring breakdown
- 36 out points, eight all-out points and two super-tackle points
- India’s next opponent
- South Korea
- Men’s Group A
- India, Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei and Bangladesh
- Advancement format
- The top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals
- Asian Games record
- India has won 11 of the 13 Asian Games kabaddi titles, including eight of nine men’s titles
