India reach men's kabaddi semifinals with 37-21 win over Chinese Taipei
Defending champions India advanced to the men's kabaddi semifinals at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Thursday after a 37-21 victory over Chinese Taipei at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium. The result completed an unbeaten Group A campaign and guaranteed India at least a bronze medal as they pursue retention of the title.
The match formed part of the men's kabaddi competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. India had earlier beaten South Korea, Japan and Bangladesh in Group A. Those results left them with four wins from four in the group stage.
India began on the front foot, with Aslam Inamdar and Rahul Sethpal combining to pressure Chinese Taipei's raiders. Sethpal's ankle holds repeatedly frustrated Taipei's attack. Early pressure allowed India to inflict an all-out and open a sizeable advantage.
Chinese Taipei responded with occasional thigh holds and Super Tackles while searching for bonus points. India continued to find points at both ends of the mat as the match progressed. Another all-out before half-time left the defending champions with a 23-11 lead at the break.
After the restart Chung-mao Chang produced an important ankle hold as Chinese Taipei sought to mount a comeback. India remained composed and applied pressure through their raiders. Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab helped keep the scoreboard moving with repeated touches. India eventually secured another all-out as they tightened their grip on the contest.
Chinese Taipei managed nine bonus points and two Super Tackles during the match. India's scoring comprised 28 points from successful raids, three bonus points and six points from all-outs. India won the second half 14-10 to complete a 16-point victory.
The win extended India's record in men's kabaddi at the Asian Games: since the sport's introduction in 1990 they have won nine medals, including eight golds, with their run of golds interrupted only at the 2018 Asian Games when they finished with a bronze.
India will play their semi-final on September 25. The defending champions are two wins away from another Asian Games gold medal.
