Asian Games 2026: India beats Japan, begins men’s kabaddi campaign with win

File Image: India will next face the Republic of Korea in Group A on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Defending champion India opened its men’s kabaddi campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with a comfortable 49-24 win over Japan in its Group A opener at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Monday.

Asian Games debutant Ayan Lohchab made an immediate impact, combining well with Ashu Malik as India raced to a commanding 31-9 lead at half-time. Devank Dalal, another debutant, also impressed in attack as India kept Japan under sustained pressure through the opening 20 minutes.

AS IT HAPPENED | India vs Japan Highlights

Aslam Inamdar began the second half with a successful raid, setting the tone as India continued to control the contest. Japan produced a better second-half showing, scoring 15 points to India’s 18, but India had already built an unassailable advantage. India finished with 36 out points, eight all-out points and two super-tackle points, while Japan collected nine bonus points.

India will next face the Republic of Korea in Group A on Tuesday.

Earlier, Himanshu Dhillon won silver in the men’s 10m air rifle individual event after helping India, alongside Rudrankksh Patil and Parth Mane, clinch silver in the team event. Rudrankksh bagged bronze in the individual final.

Published on Sep 21, 2026

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