India Keep Asian Games Gold Bid Alive With 48-24 Kabaddi Win Over Nepal

India continued their dominant run in women's kabaddi at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Nepal 48-24 in the semi-final at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Friday to book their place in the gold medal match.

The victory means India have reached the final at every edition since women's kabaddi was introduced to the Asian Games in 2010. They have won four gold medals, with Iran denying them the title in the 2018 Jakarta final.

India pull away after Nepal fightback

India started the semi-final with an aggressive defensive approach, while Pooja, Sanju Devi and Sonali Vishnu Shingate kept the scoreboard moving through their raids.

Nepal stayed within touching distance early on, with Ganga Ghimire producing a series of effective raids. India eventually created separation and inflicted an all-out to move 21-11 ahead with five minutes remaining in the opening half.

Nepal responded almost immediately, with Ganga producing a four-point super raid to reduce the deficit.

India answered through Sanju Devi, who produced a three-point super raid to restore control. Another all-out followed, and India went into half-time with a 31-17 lead.

India's defence seals comfortable win

India tightened their defence after the break, with Bhavna Devi and Sanju Devi playing key roles in containing Nepal's raiders.

The Indian team remained composed as the second half progressed and inflicted another all-out before completing a 48-24 victory.

India's combination of disciplined defending and consistent raiding ultimately proved decisive, as Nepal were unable to reproduce the pressure they had created during stretches of the opening half.

India await Iran or Chinese Taipei in final

India will face either Iran or Chinese Taipei in Saturday's gold medal match.

The women's kabaddi competition features eight teams divided into two groups, with the top two from each group progressing to the semi-finals. India competed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Japan and Iran, while Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese Taipei and Nepal formed Group B.

There are no bronze medal matches in the competition, meaning both losing semi-finalists will receive bronze medals.

For India, Saturday's final offers another opportunity to extend their record in Asian Games women's kabaddi, having previously won the gold medal in 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now reaching the 2026 final.