Kabaddi at Asian Games 2022, Day 6: Indian men's and women's teams reclaim the gold medal

On the sixth and last day of the kabaddi event at the Asian Games 2022, the action resumed with the Indian women's team clinching a gold medal in a thrilling game against Chinese Taipei. Afterwards, in the afternoon, the Indian men's team secured a win in an edge-of-the-seat encounter against defending champions Iran.

Women’s Final

India started off cautiously, whereas Chinese Taipei got their first points on the board in the form of a Super Raid. Both teams took their time on the mat, and it was looking even-steven in the first 10 minutes of the game. After that, Pooja earned a Super Raid to keep India ahead in the game. At the end of the first half, India was leading by a 14 - 9 scoreline.

The Chinese Taipei looked to fancy their chances in the second half and were inching closer to cutting down the deficit. India kept calm and maintained the lead until Chinese Taipei inflicted the first All-out of the match to take away the lead. This half had plenty of moments where the game could have gone either way. The Indian team maintained their momentum and clinched the gold medal with a 26-25 margin win.

Men’s Final

The two superpowers in the world of kabaddi, India and Iran took their time once proceedings got underway. It was expected to be an encounter between the Indian raiders and the Iranian defenders and we witnessed the same in this clash. There was nothing to separate the two sides. Though the Iranians maintained a slender lead, India recovered well to inflict an All Out in the last raid of the first half to take a 17 - 13 lead.

India looked to extend the lead in the second half and succeeded in the process. The Indian team was tested by the defending champions. They produced a Super Tackle in the 7th minute of the second half to extend their lead. However, Iran managed to level the scores at 25-25 when they got rid of Arjun Deshwal. There were many ups and downs in the dying moments of the game with plenty of drama. The Indian team created history as they sealed the gold medal by beating Iran with a 33-29 margin.

Match results for Day 6:

Women

India beat Chinese Taipei 26 - 25

Men

India beat Iran 33 - 29