Nagoya, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian men’s kabaddi team kicked off their campaign at the 2026 Asian Games with an impressive victory, defeating host nation Japan 49-23 in Nagoya. Under the leadership of captain Sunil Kumar, the team showcased a dominant performance throughout the match.
From the outset, India’s players displayed their prowess. The raiders were in excellent form, consistently breaking through Japan’s defense, which struggled to keep pace. The Indian team set the tone early, with raiders pressuring Japan’s defense relentlessly.
In the first half, Indian raiders completely outclassed their opponents. They maintained constant pressure, leading to significant advantages. Ashu Malik made a notable impact, executing a super raid that took out three Japanese players in one move. His efforts contributed to a first-half score of 31-9, with India executing two all-outs against Japan.
The second half saw Japan attempt a comeback, quickly accumulating points. India responded by bringing in a trio of players: Pawan Sahrawat, Arjun Deshwal, and Aslam Inamdar. Arjun made an immediate impact, scoring as soon as he entered the game, helping India secure another all-out against Japan.
Although Japan’s defense improved and managed to thwart several Indian raids, the gap had already widened significantly. Ashu Malik and Rahul emerged as key players for India in this match. Looking ahead, the Indian team is set to face South Korea next Tuesday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum.
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