Asian Games 2026: India Beat Chinese Taipei 37-21 to Finish Men’s Kabaddi Group Stage on Top

India completed an unbeaten run through the men’s kabaddi group stage at the Asian Games 2026 with a commanding 37-21 victory over Chinese Taipei at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Thursday.

The defending champions maintained their winning momentum in their final Group A fixture, controlling the contest for long periods and securing top spot in the group. India’s defence once again played a central role in the victory, while the raiding unit continued to produce points when required. The result also confirmed India’s place in the semifinals on September 25, keeping their campaign for another Asian Games gold medal firmly on track.

India began the match with clear intent, immediately putting pressure on Chinese Taipei's raiders. Aslam Inamdar and Rahul Sethpal worked effectively together on the right corner, helping India establish control early in the contest. Sethpal's ankle holds proved particularly effective as the Indian defence restricted Chinese Taipei's opportunities to score.

India's pressure soon resulted in an early All-Out, giving the defending champions an important advantage. Chinese Taipei did not allow India to completely run away with the contest. Their defenders used thigh holds and Super Tackles to disrupt India's raiders and collect crucial points.

However, India continued to score at both ends of the mat and gradually rebuilt their advantage. The Indian defence remained organised, while the raiders ensured that Chinese Taipei could not sustain a prolonged comeback.

India eventually secured a second All-Out, taking a commanding 23-11 lead into half-time.

Chinese Taipei came out with renewed intent after the interval and looked to use bonus opportunities to reduce the deficit. India responded by relying on its attacking options, with Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab taking responsibility for finding touches and keeping the scoreboard moving.

Chinese Taipei's defence also produced some important moments. Chung-mao Chang made a notable ankle hold as Taipei attempted to prevent India from extending its advantage and create an opportunity for a comeback. India, however, maintained the greater attacking pressure.

The Indian raiders gradually restored the momentum, while the defence continued to limit Chinese Taipei's scoring opportunities. Another All-Out for India further strengthened their position and effectively removed any possibility of a late turnaround.

India Maintain Control Until the End

With the clock winding down, India remained composed. The defending champions avoided unnecessary risks and continued to apply pressure at both ends of the mat. Chinese Taipei's raiders found it increasingly difficult to break through India's defensive structure, while India's raiders continued adding points.

India's ability to combine defensive discipline with consistent raiding allowed them to protect their advantage through the closing stages. The final score read India 37-21 Chinese Taipei, completing another convincing performance from the defending champions.

India's scoring included three bonus points and six All-Out points, while Chinese Taipei collected nine bonus points and two Super Tackles.

The victory completed India's group-stage campaign without a defeat. The defending champions had already registered wins over Japan, South Korea and Bangladesh before facing Chinese Taipei in their final Group A fixture. The latest victory ensured India finished top of Group A and advanced to the knockout stage with their winning momentum intact.

For a team defending its Asian Games title, completing the group stage unbeaten provides a strong platform heading into the semifinals. However, the knockout stage will bring a different challenge, with a single match determining who advances to the gold-medal contest. India's defence, which once again played a decisive role against Chinese Taipei, will be particularly important as the competition moves into its decisive phase.

India will now turn its attention to the men's kabaddi semifinals on September 25. The defending champions have navigated the group stage successfully, combining strong defensive work with contributions from their raiding unit. Against Chinese Taipei, Sethpal's ankle holds helped India establish early control, while Inamdar, Dalal and Lohchab contributed to the team's attacking effort.

The 37-21 victory ultimately reflected India's control of the contest. After establishing a 23-11 lead at half-time, India continued to manage the match effectively and added another All-Out in the second half before closing out the win.

With the group stage now complete, India moves into the medal rounds as one of the teams still chasing the Asian Games men's kabaddi title.

The next challenge comes in the semifinals on September 25, where the defending champions will look to take another step towards retaining their gold medal.