North India Statesman
The Indian men’s kabaddi team initiated its continental title defense in commanding fashion at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, dispatching host nation Japan 49-24 in their opening Group A preliminary clash at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium. Aiming to retain the gold medal won at Hangzhou, the Indian squad dictated proceedings right from the opening whistle with clinical offensive raiding and an aggressive defensive wall. The blowout victory placed India firmly at the top of Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, who also secured a lopsided victory over Malaysia in their opener.
While Japan registered the opening point of the contest courtesy of a swift bonus attempt, India’s response arrived instantly as Ayan Lohchab leveled the scores with a sharp touch point. From that moment, the reigning champions took absolute control of the mat, systematically dismantling Japan’s defensive setups across both halves of play.
Ruthless Raiding Surge Drives First-Half Stranglehold
India’s primary raiding unit hit top gear early behind a multi-point Super Raid executed by Ashu Malik, leaving the Japanese defensive corners flat-footed. Backed by clinical support from breakout Pro Kabaddi stars Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab, the Indian attack relentlessly wore down the host lineup. India inflicted their first All-Out within minutes to move comfortably ahead at 11-2, followed rapidly by a second All-Out that stretched the margin to 18-2.
Anchor defenders Sunil Kumar and Rahul shut down Japan’s escape routes, keeping their raiding department confined to speculative bonus hunting. By the end of the opening 20 minutes, India had inflicted three All-Outs to construct an unassailable 31-9 cushion, effectively sealing the match before the half-time whistle.
Squad Depth on Display and Japan’s Second-Half Resistance
With an eye on managing tournament workload, India rotated their bench heavily during the second period, introducing senior stalwarts Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, and Aslam Inamdar into the raiding rotation. Japan showed far greater tactical discipline in the second half, hunting the bonus line with intent and capitalizing on quick hand touches to produce an improved 15-point showing.
Despite Japan’s momentary fightback, India’s defensive combination snuffed out any genuine threat of a revival, executing a fourth All-Out alongside a crucial Super Tackle when temporarily reduced on the mat. India wrapped up the contest with 36 touch points, eight All-Out points, and two Super Tackle points.
Group A Pathway to the Semifinals
The 25-point rout sends an unequivocal warning to the rest of the field as India pursues its ninth men’s kabaddi gold medal across ten Asian Games editions. Placed in Group A alongside Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Bangladesh, India will next square off against South Korea at the same venue on Tuesday morning.
The men’s victory capped a dominant day for the sport after the Indian women’s kabaddi contingent simultaneously launched their title defense with a comprehensive 42-21 triumph over Bangladesh.
