Asian Games: India women storm into Kabaddi SF with 50-25 win over Japan
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Aichi: The Indian women’s Kabaddi team completed an unbeaten Group A campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with a commanding 50-25 victory over Japan on Thursday, sealing their place in the semi-finals.
The defending champions, who had already secured a spot in the last four, finished the group stage with three wins from three matches.
Captain Pushpa Rana led from the front as India made a blistering start, taking a 32-13 lead into half-time. India collected 23 out points and five bonus points and executed two All Outs in the opening half to establish a 19-point advantage.
Japan showed greater resistance after the break and scored 12 points in the second half, including eight outs, two bonus points and a Super Tackle. India, however, remained in control, adding 18 points through 14 outs, two bonus points and an All Out to complete a comfortable victory.
The hosts started the second half brightly, with Yuri opening the scoring before Japan added three more points in quick succession. India soon regained their rhythm, using effective raids and defensive tackles to keep Japan at bay.
India’s third All Out further extended their advantage, while Japan managed a bonus point with their final raid before the defending champions closed out the contest.
India had opened their campaign with a 42-21 win over Bangladesh before defeating Iran 37-23 in their second Group A match.
Earlier on Thursday, the Indian men’s team also maintained its unbeaten record by defeating Chinese Taipei 37-21 in its final Group A fixture at the same venue.
India had already secured a semi-final berth after beating Bangladesh on Wednesday, a result that also guaranteed the team a medal. The men’s side finished top of Group A and will play their semi-final on September 25.
Against Chinese Taipei, India collected three bonus points and six All-Out points, while their opponents registered nine bonus points and two Super Tackles.
With IANS inputs