Resounding Win: India’s Men’s Kabaddi Beats Japan 49‑23 in Nagoya

Nagoya, 21 September – The opening men’s kabaddi match of the 2026 Asian Games concluded with India trouncing Japan 49‑23. Under Sunil Kumar’s captaincy, the Indian squad dominated every facet of the game.

Raiding units maintained a high tempo, repeatedly breaking through Japan’s fragile defence. Aashu Malik’s three‑player out triggered a super raid that added a surge of points. Defenders complemented the attack by securing two all‑outs before the intermission, giving India a 31‑9 halftime lead.

Japan rallied in the second half, but India’s defensive trio—Pawan Sahrawat, Arjun Deshwal and Aslam Inamdar—neutralised the threat, executing another all‑out and preserving a wide margin.

Late in the match, Japan’s defenders managed a few successful raids, yet the gap was already insurmountable. Aashu Malik and Rahul emerged as the day’s standout performers.

India’s next encounter is set for Tuesday against South Korea, where the side intends to continue its dominant run.