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New Delhi [भारत]July 23 (ANI): The Indian men's and women's Kabaddi teams have been placed in Group A for the upcoming Asian Games 2026 to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The group-stage draw was confirmed on Thursday.

The Asian Games 2026 will be held in Aichi Prefecture, Japan from September 19 to October 4. The Kabaddi competitions will be held at Tokai Citizens Gymnasium from September 21 to 26.

According to Olympics.com, a total of 10 teams will compete for the men's Kabaddi title, divided into two groups of five each. At the same time, there will be eight teams in the women's tournament, which have been divided into two groups of four each.

asian games 2026 kabaddi draw

The Indian men's team will play against Bangladesh, South Korea, Chinese Taipei and host Japan in Group A. According to Olympics.com, Group B includes Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia and Iran. Thus the two traditional superpowers of Kabaddi, India and Iran, have been kept apart in the initial stages.

In the women's event, India have been placed in Group A along with Iran, Japan and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese Taipei and Nepal.

Following the format carried over from the 2006 Asian Games, the top two teams from each group at the end of the round-robin stage will advance to the semi-finals.

Men's Kabaddi Draw: Asian Games 2026

Group A: Bangladesh, Republic of Korea, Chinese Taipei, Japan, India

Group B: Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Iran

Women's Kabaddi Draw: Asian Games 2026

Group A: India, Iran, Japan, Bangladesh

Group B: Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Nepal. (ANI)