Asian Games: Defending champions India steamroll into kabaddi semifinals

Defending champions India stormed into the Asian Games men's kabaddi semi-finals with a 37-21 win over Chinese Taipei, completing an unbeaten Group A campaign with four wins from four matches.

In Short

• India beat Chinese Taipei 37-21 to reach the kabaddi semi-finals
• India finished the group stage with four wins from four matches
• They will play their semi-final on September 25

Defending champions India stormed into the men’s kabaddi semi-finals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after completing an unbeaten Group A campaign with a comfortable 37-21 win over Chinese Taipei at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Thursday.

India finished the group stage with four wins from four matches, having earlier defeated South Korea, Japan and Bangladesh. The result against Chinese Taipei also assured India of at least a bronze medal as they continued their bid to retain the Asian Games title.

Asian Games 2026: September 24 updates

INDIA DOMINATE FROM START

India began on the front foot, with Aslam Inamdar and Rahul Sethpal combining effectively to put the Chinese Taipei raiders under pressure. Sethpal was particularly impressive in defence, with his ankle holds repeatedly frustrating Taipei's attack.

India soon inflicted an all-out to open up a sizeable advantage. Chinese Taipei responded with occasional thigh holds and Super Tackles to stay in the contest, while also looking for bonus points.

India, however, continued to find points at both ends of the mat. Another all-out before half-time helped the defending champions establish a commanding 23-11 lead at the break.

Chinese Taipei attempted to fight back after the restart, with Chung-mao Chang producing an important ankle hold and the team continuing to search for bonus points. India remained composed and continued to apply pressure through their raiders.

Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab helped keep the scoreboard moving as India repeatedly found touches. Their defence also continued to restrict Taipei's scoring opportunities, allowing India to maintain a comfortable cushion.

India eventually secured another all-out as they tightened their grip on the contest. Chinese Taipei managed nine bonus points and two Super Tackles during the match, but could not match India's consistency across attack and defence.

India's points included 28 from successful raids, three bonus points and six points from all-outs. They won the second half 14-10 to complete a 16-point victory.

The win further extended India's remarkable record in men's kabaddi at the Asian Games. Since the sport was introduced at the continental event in 1990, India have won nine medals, including eight golds. Their run of gold medals was interrupted only at the 2018 Asian Games, when they finished with a bronze.

India will now play their semi-final on September 25, with the defending champions two wins away from another Asian Games gold medal.

The Indian women's team have also made a strong start to their campaign. After defeating Bangladesh in their opening match, they beat Iran 37-23 to register consecutive Group A victories. They will face hosts Japan in their next fixture later on Thursday.

- Ends