In a heart-pounding final showdown that unfolded at the Xiaoshan Guali Sports Centre in Hangzhou, the Indian women’s kabaddi team emerged victorious, clinching the gold medal at the Asian Games 2023. This article unravels the thrilling journey of the Indian women’s kabaddi team, their exceptional performance, and their significant achievement in the annals of Asian Games history.
In a fiercely contested match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, the Indian women’s kabaddi team secured the gold medal by defeating a determined Chinese Taipei with a nail-biting scoreline of 26-25. This triumphant moment marks their third gold medal win in the storied history of the Asian Games.
Prior to this victory, the Indian women’s kabaddi team had previously clinched gold at Guangzhou 2010, defending their title successfully at Incheon 2014. In Jakarta 2018, they had to settle for the runners-up position.
Chinese Taipei showcased their remarkable progress in kabaddi by upgrading their bronze medal from Jakarta 2018 to a silver in the highly competitive Asian Games 2023.
Key players Pushpa Rana and Pooja Hathwala, renowned for their consistent performances, played pivotal roles and contributed significantly to India’s points during the group stage.
A significant moment in the match came when Chinese Taipei’s Hsiu-Chen Feng executed a stunning super raid, leveling the scores at 5-5. It’s worth noting that India and Chinese Taipei had previously played out an electrifying 34-34 draw during the group stage, setting the stage for their dramatic final encounter.
India secured their spot in the final by defeating Nepal in a hard-fought semifinal, while Chinese Taipei showcased their prowess by overcoming the 2018 champions, Iran, in the semifinals, earning their place in the gold medal match.
The inclusion of women’s kabaddi in the program for the 2026 Asian Games, set to be held in Japan, promises an exciting future for the sport and offers further opportunities for teams to shine on the international stage.