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Kabaddi at Asian Games 2026 LIVE updates: India 2-2 Japan; First half underway
India led 31-9 at half-time and closed with 36 out points, eight all-outs and two super tackles in a dominant opener, officials said.
On Monday, September 21, 2026, the Indian men's kabaddi team launched their Asian Games title defense by defeating hosts Japan 49-24 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium.
Dominating from the start, India established a commanding 31-9 lead by halftime, with attackers Ayan Lochab and Devank Dalal exposing Japanese defenses while defenders Sunil Kumar and Rahul anchored the backline.
Raider Ashu Malik bolstered the offensive effort with a decisive three-point raid, helping India inflict their first all-out to establish an 11-2 advantage early in the contest.
Maintaining pressure after halftime, the defending champions utilized their bench strength as attackers Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, and Aslam Inamdar combined to add 18 points in the second half.
Following the opening victory, India continued their Asian Games campaign against South Korea on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, pursuing another gold medal.