India qualify for men's kabaddi semi-finals at Asian Games 2026 after Day 3
India secured a place in the men's kabaddi semi-finals at the Asian Games 2026 on Day 3 after defeating Bangladesh 48-25, tournament results showed. The third day also produced wins for Chinese Taipei, Iran and Thailand that reshaped the group standings.
To advance to the semi-finals teams must finish in the top two of their respective groups, and the semi-final qualification scenarios changed drastically from the previous day. India sit atop Group A, having won all three of their matches to confirm their place in the last four and ensure at least a medal; however, they will be aiming for the gold medal. Chinese Taipei moved into second in Group A with two wins in three matches following their Day 3 results.
In the opening fixture of Day 3, Chinese Taipei beat the Republic of Korea 43-37, a result that ended Korea’s medal-winning hopes. Iran registered a 67-33 victory over Malaysia in one of the day’s larger-margin wins. India’s 48-25 win over Bangladesh secured their semi-final berth.
In the evening session Thailand defeated Pakistan 48-45, a result described as almost confirming their semi-final spot and putting them on track for their first-ever Asian Games medal in kabaddi. In the last match of the day Chinese Taipei defeated Japan 34-30, decreasing the hosts’ hopes of making the semi-finals.
Group A now places Bangladesh third with two wins in four games; Bangladesh have no matches remaining and their qualification hopes depend on other results. Japan occupy fourth with one win in three matches despite the loss to Chinese Taipei. At the bottom of Group A are South Korea, with no wins in three games and officially eliminated from the semi-finals race.
Group B standings changed markedly after Day 3: Thailand sit top with three wins in three games but are not yet officially qualified for the semi-finals. Iran are second with two wins in two matches and are described as favourites to top the table with two more games remaining. Pakistan have slipped to third from first after their defeat to Thailand, leaving their progression dependent on their final league match and Thailand’s last group-stage game; Nepal and Malaysia are fourth and fifth respectively, each with no wins in three matches and both officially out of the semi-finals race.
The kabaddi semi-finals are scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026.
