Seventeen-year-old Nikita Kumari made a stellar debut for the Indian senior team, delivering a crucial performance in the final as India’s women’s kabaddi team defeated Iran 37-34 to clinch the gold medal on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Asian Games in Aichi, Japan. Kumari, among the youngest players in the squad, stepped onto the mat during a tense moment and drove an attacking performance that helped secure the title at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium.
Path to the Podium: Haryana Roots and Early Training
Kumari grew up in Haryana and began training in the sport at just eight years old. Her three younger sisters also followed her onto the mat, turning kabaddi into a family tradition rather than a later discovery. Her coach, Dr Sunil Dabas, noted that Kumari’s early entry into the sport helped build the mental toughness she now displays on the international stage. “In the villages of Haryana, most children grow up playing kabaddi,” Dabas told HT, adding that she watched Kumari’s journey closely from a young age.
Before earning a spot on the senior roster, Kumari established herself in youth competitions and captained the Indian junior side. According to Dabas, transitioning to the senior level is never easy, but Kumari’s confidence and mental resilience proved vital when the team faced intense pressure against Iran.
Final Match Drama: India Holds Off Iran’s Second-Half Surge
In the gold medal clash, India built a 22-16 lead by half-time. Iran mounted a strong comeback in the second half, taking that period 18-15, but the initial deficit proved too much to overcome as India held on for the 37-34 victory. When the match grew tight, Iran deployed a physical style of play. Kumari dealt directly with that pressure, continuing to play through an injury to help seal the win, according to coach Dabas.
Did you know? India’s women’s kabaddi team has won the Asian Games gold in every edition except 2018 in Jakarta, where they settled for silver after a defeat against Iran. The 2026 victory marks another chapter in the nation’s continental dominance.
Following the final whistle, the Indian squad took a victory lap around the arena and chanted the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. The triumph completed a golden double for India at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, as the men’s team also defeated Iran in their respective final on the same day.
Family Pride and Homecoming Celebrations in Haryana
For Kumari’s mother, Vinod Kumari, watching her daughter represent the country globally brought immense pride. She noted that Nikita started training in Class 3 and steadily grew more serious about the sport. “She has not only made our family proud, but has brought pride to Haryana and the country as well,” Vinod Kumari told HT. The family marked the victory by distributing sweets among neighbors, while planning a grand welcome for Nikita upon her return from Gurugram, where she stays for her studies and training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nikita Kumari?
Nikita Kumari is a 17-year-old kabaddi player from Haryana who made her senior debut for India and won a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
What was the score of the women’s kabaddi final at the Asian Games?
India defeated Iran 37-34 in the women’s kabaddi final on September 26, 2026.
How many titles has India won in Asian Games kabaddi?
With the two gold medals at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, India extended its record to 13 titles in Asian Games kabaddi competition—nine in the men’s event and four in the women’s event.
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