India and Pakistan win opening kabaddi matches at Asian Games

India and Pakistan opened their men's kabaddi campaigns at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with dominant victories on Monday. The defending champion Indian team defeated host nation Japan 49-24 in a Group A match at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium. Pakistan secured a commanding 65-22 win over Malaysia in a Group B fixture at the same venue. India established control early, taking a 31-9 lead into halftime. The team extended its advantage to 40-12 shortly after the break before Japan mounted a stronger second-half performance. India ultimately won the second period 18-15. Captain Sunil Kumar explained that the team deliberately reduced its intensity once the match was effectively decided. "We did not want to completely demoralize the hosts in front of their home supporters," Kumar stated. India made five substitutions in the second half, bringing on experienced players including Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, and Aslam Inamdar. Ashu Malik and Devank Dalal were key contributors in the opening half, with three all-outs helping build the substantial lead. Pakistan's victory was even more comprehensive.