The win completed a historic double for Indian kabaddi, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams clinching gold at the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain. For a sport deeply rooted in Indian soil, this triumph reaffirmed the nation’s unmatched dominance on the mat and its unbreakable connection with kabaddi’s spirit.
From the opening whistle, both teams showcased defensive steel and tactical aggression. Led by captain Ishant, the Indian boys started brightly, forcing early do-or-die situations against Iran and converting them through smart raiding rotations. But midway through the second half, the match turned heated when Iran refused to restart play, accusing Ishant of using oily substances on his legs to evade tackles — an allegation that delayed play and drew loud reactions from a partisan crowd. After a long referee discussion, the claims were dismissed, and India resumed play with renewed fire.
Their defenders — notably the right corner and cover combination — produced back-to-back tackles to shift momentum, though Iran fought back with a string of super tackles and bonus points, narrowing the scoreline to just two points in the closing minutes.
Tension reached a peak when Iran called for a referral over whether an Indian raider had crossed the baulk line before contact. After a lengthy review, the decision went India’s way. Iran’s bench erupted in protest, leading to another brief halt in play. Yet, through all the chaos, the young Indian side showed remarkable composure. Ishant, at the heart of the controversy, delivered when it mattered — scoring vital raid points and organizing the defence in the dying seconds. As the final whistle blew, the Indian team erupted in joy, waving the tricolour and embracing their coaches as chants of “India! India!” filled the arena.
The final scoreline — India 35–32 Iran — captured the drama of a contest that demanded skill, nerve, and unity.
India’s journey to gold had been nothing short of dominant. In the group stages, the boys crushed Bangladesh (83–19), Sri Lanka (89–16), Pakistan (81–26), and Thailand (86–30). Even in their earlier encounter with Iran, a 46–29 victory had foreshadowed their superiority. But the final tested their mental strength and discipline, qualities that define true champions.
Earlier, the Indian girls’ team had dismantled Iran 75–21 in a one-sided final — the largest margin in Youth Games kabaddi history. Raider Neha Patel shone with 28 points, while Riya Singh led a rock-solid defence. Across five matches, the girls’ squad scored 312 points and conceded just 89, underlining total dominance.
Together, these triumphs mark a new era for India’s youth kabaddi. The performances displayed not only talent but also maturity beyond years — a reflection of the sport’s strong grassroots structure and the guidance of initiatives like Khelo India.
For the young players, this victory was more than just a medal — it was a statement of pride, resilience, and legacy. The sight of the tricolour waving over the mat in Bahrain symbolized India’s enduring supremacy in a sport it gave to the world.
Final Score: 🇮🇳 India 35–32 Iran 🇮🇷
Result: India win Gold in Boys’ Kabaddi at Asian Youth Games 2025
Double Gold for India! 🥇🇮🇳
— Boys defeat Iran 35–32 in a thriller
— Girls defeat Iran 75–21 in the final
India’s young kabaddi stars didn’t just win medals — they wrote a new chapter in India’s sporting story, one defined by passion, precision, and pride.
