The Indian girls’ kabaddi team continued their incredible run of dominance at the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain, sealing a commanding 59–26 win over Iran in the group stage to book their place in the final.
With this emphatic result, India finished the league phase unbeaten four wins from four matches standing comfortably atop the table and reaffirming their continental supremacy in the sport.
The tournament, held at Isa Sports City, Riffa, has witnessed a resurgence of traditional kabaddi strength, with India’s young side displaying extraordinary maturity, composure, and skill across all fixtures. Iran, who finished second in the standings, also earned a deserved place in the final, setting up a mouth-watering title clash between two powerhouses of Asian women’s kabaddi.

India’s campaign began with a statement of intent a 70–23 demolition of Thailand in their opening match. The young raiders displayed breathtaking agility, and the defensive unit, led by their right-corner combination, suffocated every opposition raid.
They followed it up with another commanding victory, this time over Bangladesh (46–18), a match that highlighted their depth. The rotation players stepped in seamlessly, maintaining the same attacking intensity. Against Sri Lanka, India produced perhaps their most one-sided performance, cruising to a 73–10 victory, a result that underlined the gulf between India and the rest of the field. The first half alone ended 50–3 — a display of relentless pressure and flawless execution.
Then came the highly anticipated encounter against Iran a team known for its physical style and structured defense. But India was undeterred. Combining swift raiding transitions with solid chain tackles, the Blue Girls dismantled Iran’s rhythm early, racing to a 34–13 halftime lead before closing out the game 59–26. The win not only confirmed India’s spot in the final but also reinforced their reputation as the gold standard of youth kabaddi.
The League Table: India’s Perfection at the Top
After the conclusion of the group stage, the standings reflected India’s dominance. The team ended with eight points, the maximum possible, and an astounding score difference of +171 a number that mirrors their attacking supremacy and defensive resilience.
Iran, despite their loss to India, secured second place with three wins and one defeat, while Thailand and Bangladesh finished third and fourth respectively, both earning bronze medals under the tournament’s shared bronze format. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, ended winless but gained valuable international exposure.
Rank | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Tied | Score Difference | Points |
1 | 🇮🇳 India | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | +171 | 8 |
2 | 🇮🇷 Iran | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | +9 | 6 |
3 | 🇹🇭 Thailand | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | +9 | 4 |
4 | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | –43 | 2 |
5 | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | –126 | 0 |
The numbers tell the story of India’s dominance 248 raid points scored, just 77 conceded, and not a single match where the opposition crossed 30 points.
India’s journey through the group stage wasn’t just about physical superiority; it was a masterclass in kabaddi intelligence. The team balanced speed with structure, switching between high-line presses and controlled zone defenses depending on match situations. Their raiding unit, led by the quick-footed lead raider and supported by two all-rounders, consistently found gaps in opposition formations. On the other side, the corners known for their sharp dives and anticipation were nearly flawless in executing advanced tackles.
India Crush Pakistan 81–26 in Kabaddi Classic as Boys and Girls Dominate Day 2 at Asian Youth Games
The bench too played a vital role. Every substitution maintained tempo, and the team’s conditioning allowed them to dominate even in the final minutes when other sides visibly tired.
While India’s dominance was clear, Iran’s performance through the league phase deserves equal credit. Wins over Bangladesh (33–19), Sri Lanka (54–26), and Thailand (61–35) demonstrated their power-based style and disciplined team defense. The Iranians’ defensive coordination and tactical planning make them the only team capable of truly challenging India in the final. The earlier 59–26 defeat will motivate them to adjust their raiding strategies and improve communication between corners and covers to limit India’s efficiency in do-or-die raids.
The Final: A Clash of Styles and Mindsets
The upcoming India vs Iran final, scheduled for October 23, promises to be the perfect conclusion to a stellar kabaddi competition. India enters the match as overwhelming favourites undefeated, balanced, and technically polished. Iran, however, is a team known for resilience, and they will undoubtedly come with tactical adjustments and renewed energy.
The contest isn’t just about gold; it’s about pride and validation. India’s youth setup has historically dominated at the Asian level, but this new generation faster, fitter, and sharper is aiming to define the next decade of Indian kabaddi.
The 3rd Asian Youth Games has served as an ideal platform to measure the next wave of kabaddi talent in Asia. For India, the girls’ team’s flawless run is both an affirmation and a promise that the country’s kabaddi foundation remains unshakeable, and the future of the sport continues to shine bright. From Riffa’s courts to the national stage back home, these young athletes have carried the tricolour with pride, setting new standards for teamwork, precision, and dominance.
As India prepares to face Iran once again this time with the gold medal on the line one thing is certain: the future of Indian kabaddi is in safe, sensational hands.
Final: 🇮🇳 India vs Iran 🇮🇷
📅 October 23, 2025 | 📍 Isa Sports City, Riffa
🏆 Asian Youth Games – Kabaddi (Girls’ Final)
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