It was total domination from start to finish as India’s girls’ kabaddi team outclassed Iran 75–21 in the final to claim gold at the Asian Youth Games 2025, capping off an extraordinary unbeaten run.
The victory not only reaffirmed India’s stature as the powerhouse of Kabaddi but also highlighted the next generation’s potential to carry the sport forward with style and strength. Right from the group stage, Team India looked a class apart. Their campaign began with a confident 46–18 win over Bangladesh, setting the tone for what would be a ruthless display of all-round kabaddi. Against Thailand, India stepped up the intensity, recording a 70–23 victory that showcased their offensive depth and defensive sharpness.
But it was in the following matches that India truly established themselves as gold medal favourites. The team crushed Sri Lanka 73–10, one of the biggest margins of the tournament, with every raider and defender contributing. Their group stage ended with another emphatic result 59–26 against Iran, a match that turned out to be a preview of the final itself.
When India and Iran met again in the gold medal match, few expected the scale of dominance that unfolded. India started with a flurry of quick raids and successful tackles, pushing Iran onto the back foot early. The scoreline quickly began to widen as India’s raiding unit, combining speed and accuracy, punished every defensive lapse from their opponents.
By halftime, India had built an unassailable lead, and their control only strengthened in the second half. Iran tried to regroup, but India’s defensive wall remained unbreakable. From chain tackles to ankle holds, every move was executed with textbook precision. The final whistle brought the scoreboard to 75–21, a margin that perfectly reflected the gulf in quality between the two sides. It was not just a victory it was a statement.
Team Effort at Its Finest
While the team’s dominance was collective, several players stood out throughout the tournament. India’s lead raiders were relentless, mixing agility with tactical awareness, while the defense showed near-perfect coordination and anticipation. The corners, especially, were crucial turning potential Iranian raids into point-scoring opportunities for India.
Coach and support staff deserve immense credit for the team’s preparation and discipline. Their strategies from controlled aggression in the early minutes to maintaining composure under pressure ensured India stayed in command throughout.
India’s numbers tell their story better than any words could:
- Group Stage: 4 wins out of 4
- Total Points Scored: 248
- Total Points Conceded: Just 77
These statistics underline not just dominance but also consistency a reflection of India’s depth in the youth kabaddi structure.
The gold medal was India’s reward for months of planning, training, and execution at the grassroots level. The exposure of these young athletes at an international event like the Asian Youth Games is invaluable, providing them with both experience and confidence to transition into the senior circuit in the coming years. With the boys’ team also clinching gold after a thrilling 35–32 win over Iran, this victory sealed a double gold for India in Kabaddi a perfect ending for the contingent. The feat further consolidates India’s dominance in a sport it gifted to the world and continues to rule with authority.
As the tricolour rose high during the medal ceremony, the moment carried deep meaning for the players, the coaches, and for Kabaddi fans across the nation. The young girls, many playing their first international final, had not only won a title but announced themselves as the future of Indian Kabaddi.
This Asian Youth Games campaign could well be the start of a new chapter. The level of skill, mental toughness, and team chemistry displayed by the Indian girls promises a bright future for the sport. Their performance in Tashkent will inspire thousands of young players back home to take up Kabaddi with pride and passion.
For now, the message is clear India’s golden legacy in Kabaddi is in safe hands.
Final Score:
🇮🇳 India 75–21 Iran 🇮🇷
Result: India win Gold in Girls’ Kabaddi at the Asian Youth Games 2025
