India Sweeps Kabaddi Golds at Asian Youth Games 2025: Dominant Performances Seal Double Triumph in Bahrain

Published on October 28 , 2025

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Delhi, India

Asian Youth Games 2025 Spotlight on Kabaddi

Host and Dates: Held in Manama, Bahrain, from October 20-31, 2025, with Kabaddi competitions at Isa Sports City Arena, Riffa; the multi-sport event features over 3,000 athletes from 45 nations across 21 disciplines.
India’s Participation: 222 athletes (103 boys, 119 girls) represent India, competing for medals in a bid to surpass their 2021 tally; Kabaddi emerges as a highlight, contributing two golds to India’s final haul of 3 gold, 10 silver, and 11 bronze (24 total), placing 9th overall.
Format and Stakes: U-18 teams play in round-robin groups, with top two advancing to finals; the event underscores Asia’s youth sports development, with Kabaddi showcasing India’s traditional dominance.

Match Score and Margin: India crushed Iran 75-21, marking the largest victory margin in an Asian Youth Games Kabaddi final since 2013 and the biggest in girls’ category history.
Game Dynamics: India surged ahead with relentless raiding and ironclad defense; after a competitive first half, they overwhelmed Iran, preventing any comeback and finishing with a 54-point lead.
Tournament Dominance: Unbeaten in group stage, India topped with victories over Bangladesh (46-18), Thailand (70-23), Sri Lanka (73-10), and Iran (59-26); overall, scored 312 points while conceding just 89 across five matches.

Match Score and Intensity: India edged Iran 35-32 in a nail-biter, holding firm under pressure in the closing minutes to clinch the title.
Game Dynamics: A closely contested affair with Iran mounting strong challenges; India’s tactical composure, quick raids, and crucial tackles turned the tide, showcasing resilience in high-stakes moments.
Tournament Path: Undefeated group leaders, beating Bangladesh (83-19), Sri Lanka (89-16), Pakistan (81-26), Iran (46-29), Bahrain (84-40), and Thailand (85-30); their offensive firepower averaged over 80 points per game.

Girls’ Key Performers: Neha Patel led with 28 raid points in the final, earning Player of the Match honors; Riya Singh anchored defense with multiple super tackles; full squad includes Akshita Devanda, Arpita, Bhumika, Diksha, Karthika Ramesh, Khushi, Komal, Krishna, Lakshita Gurjar, Nikita (two), and others.
Boys’ Key Contributors: Rahul Singh Bohra captained with strategic raids; Akhil and Akash Prasad excelled in do-or-die moments; core team: Rahul Singh Bohra, Akhil, Akash Prasad, Dattatray Dighole, Ishant, Aditya, Aryan, Shubham, Sachin Chaudhary, Keshav, Harsh, Abinesh Mohandass, Harish.
Coaching Insight: Teams trained under national youth coaches, emphasizing fitness and mental toughness; no specific post-match quotes, but officials hailed the wins as a “testament to grassroots development.”

Historical Dominance: India has won Kabaddi gold in every Asian Youth Games edition since 2013, reinforcing its status as the sport’s global powerhouse with 10+ world youth titles.
Youth Pipeline Boost: These golds highlight robust talent scouting via programs like Khelo India; expected to feed into senior squads for Asian Games 2026 and Olympics push.
National Pride and Future: Contributes to India’s rising youth medal count, inspiring investments in rural sports; aligns with Mission Olympic Cell goals for medal diversification.