India Defeated Iran in Women's Kabaddi Final
The Indian squad secured a 37-34 victory over Iran to win the gold medal at the Asian Games.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Volleyball
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India claimed the top spot in the Asian Games women's kabaddi tournament after a narrow 37-34 victory against Iran. Despite securing a silver medal, the Iranian team faced significant obstacles throughout their preparation.
Why it matters
The Iranian squad battled through regional conflict and international sanctions that restricted their ability to hold standard training camps or host friendly matches. These disruptions forced the team to prioritize logistical flexibility over traditional athletic preparation.
The Iranian team navigated 3 forced training camp relocations across 10 different bases over a 6-month period. The squad, which holds an average age of under 22 years, was led by 50-year-old coach Ghulam Raza Mazandrani.
The players
Ghulam Raza Mazandrani
He is the 50-year-old coach of the Iranian women's kabaddi team who managed the squad through significant training disruptions.
India women's kabaddi team
This national sports team successfully defeated Iran in the Asian Games final to claim the gold medal.
Iran women's kabaddi team
This national sports team secured a silver medal at the Asian Games despite navigating severe training challenges caused by regional conflict and international sanctions.
The details
To mitigate the impact of ongoing regional instability, the team utilized a psychologist for the players and moved training facilities from the south and center of Iran to northern locations. Players maintained daily contact with their families during their intense training period to ensure their safety while preparing for the tournament.
Timeline
The team completed a six-month training period from March 2026 to September 2026.
Coach Ghulam Raza Mazandrani gave a post-final interview on September 26, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This match at the 2026 Asian Games kabaddi tournament follows the historical pattern of high-stakes competition where geopolitical stability significantly influences the training efficacy of participating nations. The outcome cements India's current dominance while signaling a rebuilding phase for the young Iranian squad.
India's 37-34 victory determines the gold medal standings for the Asian Games kabaddi tournament. The result confirms India as the benchmark for regional competitors, while the Iranian coach projects his young roster will return with more experience in four years.
The takeaway
The performance of the Iranian team highlights the extreme logistical adaptations required for athletes competing during regional instability. Their ability to remain competitive at an international level despite restricted resources demonstrates the impact of psychological and operational support on team performance.
Further reading
For more on international competition results, visit our Volleyball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rediff.com India Ltd..
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