Asian Games 2026: India, Iran, Chinese Taipei and Thailand reach kabaddi semi-finals; final on September 26

Asian Games 2026 men's kabaddi group stage has ended. The four semi-finalists are confirmed: India, Iran, Chinese Taipei and Thailand. Each of these teams now has at least a medal, with the gold medal match scheduled for September 26. The fourth day of the group stage produced several decisive results that significantly changed the points table. In the first match of the day, Iran ended Thailand's winning streak with an emphatic 83-27 victory. Iran's raiders tore through the Thai defence and continued their unbeaten run. Later, hosts Japan defeated the Republic of Korea 62-35 to end their campaign on a winning note. Korea finished with no wins in four matches. The third match saw India beat Chinese Taipei 37-21. Although India won, Chinese Taipei managed to keep the margin low enough to secure a semi-final spot. In the evening session, Nepal finally tasted victory, defeating Malaysia 73-52. The final match of the day saw Iran defeat Pakistan 51-30, eliminating Pakistan from the tournament. India top Group A with four wins in four matches. They have been dominant and remain one of the clear favourites for the gold medal. Chinese Taipei finished second, winning two of their four games. This is their second consecutive kabaddi medal at the Asian Games. Bangladesh also won two games but missed the semi-finals by a narrow points difference. Japan, also with two wins, finished fourth due to an inferior net score. South Korea finished bottom without a single win. In Group B, Iran finished at the top with four wins in four matches. Thailand are second, having recorded three wins and their first-ever Asian Games kabaddi medal. Pakistan ended third and were eliminated. This is the first time Pakistan have returned from the Asian Games without a kabaddi medal. Nepal secured their only win on the final day to take fourth place, while Malaysia finished bottom with no wins. Bangladesh's elimination will hurt their fans. The team had the same number of wins as Chinese Taipei and Japan, but points difference separated them from a semi-final berth. A broader victory margin in one of their wins or a smaller defeat in a loss could have changed the equation. The lesson will be valuable for the future. Japan's rise has been one of the most encouraging aspects. The hosts played an attractive brand of kabaddi and may emerge as a top nation in the coming years. Thailand have also made history by securing a medal for the first time, showing that kabaddi is expanding beyond traditional powers. Pakistan's failure raises serious questions about their coaching, selection and domestic structure. A team that once challenged India is now leaving the Asian Games without a medal. The likely semi-finals will see India face Thailand, and Iran take on Chinese Taipei. India and Iran look superior on paper, but kabaddi has always been unpredictable. Thailand and Chinese Taipei will try to create an upset. The winners will meet in the gold medal match on September 26. The group stage has set the stage for an exciting knockout round. The increased competitiveness of teams such as Thailand and Japan is good news for the future of kabaddi. Now all eyes turn to the semi-finals and the final showdown.