Asian Games 2026: India Crushes Hosts Japan 49-24 in Blockbuster Kabaddi Opener
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The Indian men’s kabaddi team launched their Asian Games 2026 gold medal quest with an emphatic statement of intent, steamrolling tournament hosts Japan by an authoritative 25-point margin at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Monday. Captained by veteran defender Sunil Kumar, the defending champions outclassed their opponents 49-24 in their opening Group A encounter, reaffirming their historic dominance in the sport. From the opening whistle, India dictated the tempo of the contest, with dynamic raider Ashu Malik delivering an electrifying three-point Super Raid in the opening exchanges to establish immediate tactical control, ably flanked by fellow Pro Kabaddi League stars Arjun Deshwal, Devank Dalal, and Ayan Lohchab.
Relentless First Half: Ashu Malik's Super Raid and Triple All-Out Maul Hosts
India mounted an unyielding offensive throughout the first half, tearing open the Japanese defensive formation with sharp maneuvers, rapid touchpoints, and ironclad corner tackles. Demonstrating clinical superiority, the Indian unit inflicted three consecutive all-outs on Japan within the opening twenty minutes to bag six additional bonus points, while the raiders consistently dismantled the host backline to stack up 25 direct raid points. Japan’s attackers struggled against India's defensive wall, managing just five touchpoints and four bonus points, which left India commanding a lopsided 22-point advantage with a 31-9 scoreline at the half-time break.
Japan Fights Back Before India Seals Fourth All-Out in Search of 9th Gold
The Japanese side mounted a gritty counter-response early in the second half, tightening their tactical discipline to outscore the Indian outfit 18-15 in that segment and temporarily shaving India's overall lead down to 12 points. However, the momentary lapse in momentum was snuffed out when Sunil Kumar’s squad reset their defensive structure, stepped up the aggression on do-or-die raids, and inflicted a crushing fourth all-out on Japan to close all avenues of an upset. Having captured gold in eight of the past nine Asian Games editions, the Indian men's kabaddi powerhouse looks in prime competitive shape as they advance toward securing a historic ninth continental championship crown.
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