Asian Games 2026 men's kabaddi: India and Iran finish top of groups after league stage
India and Iran finished top of their respective groups at the conclusion of the men's kabaddi league stage at the Asian Games 2026 on the competition's fourth day. The final round of group matches produced the four semi-finalists, each of whom has now secured a medal.
The fourth day of play simplified the points table and confirmed which sides would advance to the knock-out phase. With the league stage complete, the remaining fixtures will decide semi-final pairings and medal matches. All four semi-finalists have secured a medal and will fight for a chance to play in the gold medal match.
In the earlier fixtures Iran ended Thailand's winning streak with an 83-27 victory. Hosts Japan defeated the Republic of Korea 62-35 to conclude Korea's campaign with a win. India beat Chinese Taipei 37-21, while Chinese Taipei nonetheless finished in a position that saw them advance to the semi-finals.
During the evening session Nepal recorded their first win of the tournament, defeating Malaysia 73-52. Iran followed with a 51-30 victory over Pakistan, a result that effectively ended Pakistan's hopes of winning a medal.
Group A concluded with India top of the table after four wins in four games. Chinese Taipei finished second with two wins in four games and secured their second consecutive kabaddi medal at the Asian Games. Bangladesh were third with two wins in four games but missed a semi-finals spot on score difference. Japan placed fourth with two wins in four games. The Republic of Korea finished at the bottom of Group A with four losses in four games.
In Group B Iran finished first, also winning all four of their matches. Thailand ended the group in second place with three wins in four games and secured their first-ever kabaddi medal at the Asian Games. Pakistan placed third in the group and were eliminated; this is the first time they will return home without securing a kabaddi medal at the Asian Games. Nepal finished fourth with one win from four matches, that victory coming on the final day of the league stage. Malaysia completed the Group B table without a win.
The semi-finals are the next stage of the competition, with the four qualifiers guaranteed medals and competing for places in the gold medal match.
