The Indian men’s kabaddi team reclaimed its supremacy at the 2025 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, clinching a record-extending 8th gold medal in a dramatic and hard-fought final against arch-rivals Iran, with a nail-biting scoreline of 34–31. The victory was not just a display of skill but a testament to India’s enduring dominance and legacy in the sport they introduced to the global stage.
With this win, India avenged their controversial loss to Iran in the 2018 semifinals and reinforced their identity as the true powerhouse of kabaddi. The team was led by captain Pawan Sehrawat, who scored a decisive 12-point Super 10 and was named Player of the Final.
The Road to Redemption
After winning bronze in the 2018 Games and gold in 2023, India’s 2025 campaign was about redemption and resurgence. They stormed through the group stages, beating South Korea, Pakistan, and Thailand by wide margins.
In the semifinals, India overpowered Japan with a dominant 45–22 win, where all-rounder Naveen Kumar showcased his agility and defense stars like Fazel Atrachali—now part of India’s coaching staff—strategized Iran’s takedown in the final with surgical precision.
Tactical Brilliance and Star Performances
India’s success was built on smart strategy and sharp execution. Coach Rakesh Kumar, himself a former kabaddi legend, crafted a game plan focused on mixed raiding patterns and surprise all-outs. Pawan Sehrawat’s lethal raids were matched by Sandeep Dhull’s high tackle success rate on Iran’s key raider Mohammadreza Shadloui.
Aslam Inamdar played a key role as a second raider, while defender Nitin Rawal impressed with multiple super tackles at crucial junctures.
Iran, to their credit, pushed India till the last minute, briefly taking the lead in the second half. But the Indian side held its nerve and turned the tide with an all-out in the 37th minute to swing momentum permanently.
Celebrations and National Pride
Back home, the win sparked widespread celebration. From small towns like Rohtak and Patna to metro cities, kabaddi fans rejoiced. Social media was abuzz with the hashtag #KabaddiKings trending for over 24 hours.
The Sports Ministry announced ₹5 crore in incentives for the team, and Pawan Sehrawat was felicitated with the Khel Ratna Award. Schools, kabaddi academies, and even Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) franchises held felicitation events for the team.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, saying: “India’s warriors have once again shown the world the strength of our indigenous sport. Jai Hind!”
Kabaddi’s Rising Global Influence
The final drew an audience of over 50 million viewers globally, with kabaddi’s reach now spreading to Africa, Europe, and even the Americas. India’s 2025 victory is expected to further catalyze global efforts to include kabaddi in future Olympic Games.
Plans have been announced to establish 10 new national kabaddi academies and promote international kabaddi exchange programs to grow the sport beyond the subcontinent.
Conclusion
The 2025 Asian Games gold isn’t just another title—it’s a celebration of India’s cultural and athletic roots. With stars like Pawan, Naveen, and Aslam inspiring the next generation, kabaddi in India has not only survived but has soared back to the top—louder and prouder than ever.