Asian Games 2026: India Beat Nepal 48-24 to Reach Women’s Kabaddi Final

India continued its bid to retain the women’s kabaddi gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Nepal 48-24 in the semifinal in Aichi-Nagoya on Friday.

The defending champions produced a strong second-half performance to pull away from Nepal and secure their place in the gold-medal match. India had to negotiate a competitive opening period before taking control of the semifinal and eventually finishing with a 24-point winning margin.

The result keeps India in the hunt for a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in women’s kabaddi.

India started the semifinal with the first points on the board after a lengthy review during the opening raid. Nepal captain Manmati Bist had opened the contest with a raid but returned empty-handed. India moved ahead 1-0, although Nepal quickly responded to open its account.

Sanju Devi then produced an effective raid for India as the defending champions moved into a 4-1 lead. Nepal, however, refused to allow India to establish an early cushion. Rabina Chaudhary managed to stretch her hand towards the midline despite being caught in an ankle hold, keeping Nepal close in the opening exchanges. India led 11-6, but Nepal continued to apply pressure.

Sonali Shingate then produced an important raid, adding two points to India's tally as the semifinal remained competitive.

Nepal began to find greater success as the first half progressed. A super tackle brought Nepal closer at 15-10, with the team increasingly threatening to close the gap. The contest became a battle of raids and defensive tackles, with both sides finding ways to disrupt the other's rhythm.

Ganga Ghimire then produced one of Nepal's most significant moments of the first half. She managed multiple touches in a raid and appeared to have secured at least three points. Nepal opted for a review, and the decision was eventually confirmed as a four-point raid, cutting India's advantage.

The score stood at 21-15 before India responded. Another review subsequently benefited India. What initially appeared to be a Super Raid for Sanju was awarded as three points following the referee's decision, allowing India to stretch its advantage to 25-15.

That late first-half momentum proved important. India went into the interval with a 31-17 lead, having created a 14-point cushion after Nepal had threatened to make the semifinal considerably tighter.

India Takes Control After Half-Time

Nepal started the second half positively, with Ganga Ghimire continuing to provide points through her raids. Two more points brought Nepal closer at 32-19, but India responded to prevent the comeback from gathering momentum. The Indian defence gradually tightened its grip on the match, while its raiders continued to add to the scoreboard.

At 38-21, India was firmly in control. Bhavna Devi then produced an important defensive moment, getting hold of Ghimire's ankles and sending Nepal's dangerous raider to the bench.

The tackle further disrupted Nepal's attacking threat and allowed India to maintain its advantage during the closing stages.

With the semifinal entering its final three minutes, India had moved into a 40-23 lead. Nepal needed a significant turnaround, but India's defence and raiding combination ensured that the gap continued to grow rather than shrink. The defending champions maintained their composure and controlled the final exchanges.

When the final whistle sounded, India had completed a 48-24 victory. The 24-point margin reflected India's ability to pull away after a competitive opening half and underline its position in the medal rounds.

Gold Medal Still Within Reach

The victory sends India into the women’s kabaddi gold-medal match, keeping the defending champions on course for another Asian Games title. India's starting lineup featured Jyoti, Manisha Kumari, Pushpa, Nikita, Sonali, Ritu Negi, Rani Raj, Pooja, Ritu, Bhavna Devi, Pinki Roy and Sanju Devi, while Pushpa led the team as captain.

Nepal, meanwhile, relied on a lineup featuring captain Manmati Bist, Ganga Ghimire, Rabina Chaudhary and several other key players, but ultimately could not match India's scoring in the second half. For India, the semifinal victory represents another step towards retaining the title won at the previous Asian Games.

After surviving Nepal's challenge and building a decisive advantage after half-time, the Indian women's kabaddi team now has one final hurdle between itself and another Asian Games gold medal.