Asian Games Kabaddi Schedule 2026: India Matches, Groups & IST Timings
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Asian Games Kabaddi Schedule 2026
Defending double champions India field men's and women's teams chasing back-to-back gold across a compact six-day window.
Kabaddi at the Asian Games 2026 runs September 21 to 26 at a single venue in Aichi Prefecture. India goes in as the team to beat, having swept gold in both the men's and women's events at the previous Games, with group matches, semi-finals on September 25 and finals for both events on September 26.
A Ninth Straight Asian Games Appearance
Kabaddi returns for its ninth consecutive appearance since being introduced in 1990. India's men have won 8 of the 9 golds contested since then, with the only slip at Jakarta 2018, where Iran beat India in the semi-final.
Schedule Snapshot
- Group stage
- Sept 21–24, 2026
- Semi-finals
- Sept 25, 2026
- Finals
- Sept 26, 2026
- Venue
- Tokai Citizens Gymnasium
India's Groups
- India, Bangladesh, Republic of Korea
- Chinese Taipei, Japan
- India, Iran, Japan, Bangladesh
Both Indian teams face familiar regional rivals including Bangladesh and Japan; Iran remains the team's biggest threat on the women's side after handing India's only recent final defeat in 2018.
Group Match Timings
12-Player Rosters
India's men's squad is headlined by star raiders Pawan Sehrawat and Arjun Deshwal, with Sunil Kumar anchoring the defence. The women's squad blends recent Pro Kabaddi and domestic circuit performers tasked with defending India's women's gold from the previous Games.
Catch Every Match Live in India
Sony Pictures Networks India holds the exclusive rights for the entire 20th Asian Games. TV coverage runs on Sony Sports Network, with every match streaming on SonyLIV. Given the early IST kick-off times for morning matches, streaming is likely the most convenient option for fans on the go.
Asian Games Kabaddi 2026: Quick Answers
When does the kabaddi schedule start?
Competition begins September 21 and concludes with finals on September 26.
Where is kabaddi being played?
All matches are held at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Tokai, Aichi Prefecture.
Which group is India in?
India's men are in Group A with Bangladesh, Republic of Korea, Chinese Taipei and Japan; India's women are in Group A with Iran, Japan and Bangladesh.
Is India the defending champion?
Yes, in both the men's and women's events after winning gold in both categories at the previous Games.
When is the kabaddi final?
Both finals are September 26, 2026 — the women's final at 9:30 AM IST and the men's final at 2:30 PM IST.
Where can I watch live?
Every match streams live on Sony Sports Network TV and the SonyLIV app.