India clinches gold with 40-33 win over Iran in Asian Games kabaddi final

India defeated Iran 40‑33 to claim the kabaddi gold medal at the Asian Games, their second gold in the event and fourth overall, pushing India into the top ten of the medal table. The final was a high‑octane clash that reminded many of a manga battle, with raiders twisting away from ankle holds and defenders leaping at legs. Sixteen‑year‑old Hiramatsu Hisamoto from Nagoya, who first discovered kabaddi through the graphic novel *Burning Kabaddi*, left the arena eager to try the sport himself. The rivalry dates back to 2018 when Iran ended India’s run of seven successive Asian Games men’s titles in a semi‑final upset. India reclaimed the crown in 2023, edging Iran 33‑29 in Hangzhou before a heated hour‑long stoppage at 28‑28. Captain Sunil Kumar recalled Iran’s pre‑games confidence, noting that Mohammadreza Shadloui had predicted a gold for Iran, then added, “I just want to remind him they were playing India.” The first half saw Iran briefly lead 18‑17, with Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh and Ali Samadi finding gaps in India’s defence and Fazel Atrachali twice stopping India’s star raider Devank. After the break India changed tactics, moving defenders to force errors. Shadloui and Zafar were caught, Arjun Deshwal dismissed Bastami, and Devank finally broke through Atrachali. With 3:21 left and a 36‑29 lead, Aslam Inamdar slipped past the Iranian line for a decisive raid, pushing the score to 40‑33. After the final point, Sunil and Shadloui embraced, and Pawan Sehrawat praised the mutual respect between the sides, calling the Iranians “very good players.”