India’s young kabaddi stars made a thunderous start to the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, delivering a pair of resounding victories that underscored the nation’s unmatched supremacy in the sport.
On kabaddi’s historic debut at the Asian Youth Games, both the boys’ and girls’ teams turned in flawless performances combining athletic brilliance, tactical sharpness, and total control to announce themselves as title favourites.
The Indian boys opened their campaign with a massive 83–19 win over Bangladesh, a result that reflected both dominance and discipline. It was a one-sided affair from the very first raid. India never allowed their opponents to settle, controlling the pace, space, and rhythm of the game. Bangladesh struggled to make inroads against India’s well-organized defence, which refused to let the team fall below six players on the mat at any stage. India’s defenders executed ankle holds and chain tackles with clinical precision, cutting off raiders before they could cross the baulk line. The result a staggering 14 All Outs inflicted over the course of the match left no doubt about the gulf in class.
On the offensive front, India’s raiders were ruthless but composed. Rather than chasing quick points, they managed their raids intelligently isolating weaker defenders, timing bonus attempts perfectly, and converting every opportunity into scoreboard pressure. The sheer balance between attack and defence was the hallmark of the win, proving once again why India remains the heartbeat of kabaddi globally.
By the time the final whistle blew, Bangladesh looked battered, while India’s youthful exuberance was evident in every tackle and touch point. The win wasn’t just about points; it was about control, confidence, and making a statement at the continental level.
Girls’ Team Crush Bangladesh and Thailand
If the boys’ display was ruthless, the Indian girls were every bit as dominant. They opened their campaign with a 46–18 win over Bangladesh, a match that showcased their superior structure and tactical awareness. From the first whistle, India dictated terms. The raiding department operated smoothly, using a rotation system that allowed fresh legs to maintain tempo throughout. The defenders complemented them brilliantly, creating tight formations that forced repeated empty raids from Bangladesh.
India’s ability to read the game stood out the players anticipated every move, cutting off raiders at the right moments and transitioning seamlessly from defence to attack. The communication on the mat was flawless, and so was the teamwork. Later in the evening, the Indian girls followed up with another comprehensive victory, this time against Thailand (53–19). Despite the short turnaround between games, there was no sign of fatigue. Instead, India looked even more fluid, combining speed with sharp execution. Thailand, known for their agility, were outclassed both physically and tactically.
With two commanding wins on Day 1, India’s girls have firmly established themselves as frontrunners for the gold medal. Their composure, confidence, and tactical maturity were the highlights of the day.
Perfect Opening for Kabaddi’s Debut
This edition of the Asian Youth Games marks kabaddi’s first appearance in the event’s history a significant milestone for the sport, which continues to expand its international footprint. India, as the birthplace and traditional powerhouse of kabaddi, carried high expectations into the competition. And the young squads responded exactly as hoped with dominance that reflected both heritage and modern preparation.
From technique to temperament, India’s approach stood out. The players didn’t rely solely on raw strength or speed; they showcased the evolution of kabaddi as a game of intelligence, anticipation, and teamwork. Every raid had purpose. Every tackle was coordinated. Every substitution was strategic.
Even in such a commanding performance, the hallmark was discipline. The teams played within themselves — patient, structured, and ruthless in execution. The focus was not on flamboyant play but on maintaining rhythm and control a sign of high-level coaching and preparation. Speaking after the opening fixtures, India’s coaches emphasized the team’s intent to “play smart kabaddi,” not just aggressive kabaddi. The key, they said, was to maintain composure, manage the clock, and keep the opponents under sustained pressure without giving them any psychological opening.
This approach was visible throughout both matches. Every player seemed aware of their role, whether in raids, tackles, or recovery. The decision-making on the mat when to attack, when to hold back, when to use the bonus line was exemplary for teams so young. That mental control, as much as physical conditioning, was what set India apart. Even after racing to massive leads, the teams never got complacent, never lost structure, and never let their guard down.
With an extraordinary opening day behind them, India’s kabaddi teams now look ahead to a busy few days of group action before the finals on October 23. Both teams will look to carry this momentum forward and fine-tune their combinations before the knockout stage.
Boys’ Upcoming Fixtures (All Times IST)
- Oct 20 (10:00 AM): India vs Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
- Oct 21 (7:00 PM): India vs Iran 🇮🇷
- Oct 22 (11:00 AM): India vs Bahrain 🇧🇭
- Oct 23 (5:00 PM): Final (Rank 1 vs Rank 2)
Girls’ Upcoming Fixtures (All Times IST)
- Oct 20 (11:15 AM): India vs Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
- Oct 20 (6:45 PM): India vs Iran 🇮🇷
- Oct 23 (4:00 PM): Final (Rank 1 vs Rank 2)
The road ahead will test consistency, but with the early performances, India already look the most well-rounded unit in both categories.
India’s Day 1 Statement
Kabaddi’s debut at the Asian Youth Games was meant to be a showcase and India made sure it began with an exclamation mark. From the boys’ unstoppable 83–19 rout to the girls’ back-to-back wins of 46–18 and 53–19, the message was clear: India’s youth bench is strong, hungry, and already setting new standards. The young raiders and defenders have not just won matches; they’ve announced a new generation ready to uphold India’s dominance on the mat.
India Day 1 Results 🇮🇳
Boys: 83–19 vs Bangladesh
Girls: 46–18 vs Bangladesh
Girls: 53–19 vs Thailand
With performances like these, it’s not a question of whether India will reach the finals it’s how big the margin will be when they get there.
