India secured a fourth golden double in kabaddi at the Asian Games held at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium. The men’s team won their ninth gold, while the women claimed their fourth title. India got hard-fought wins against Iran in both finals, ending with scores of 40-34 and 37-34 respectively.

Kabaddi royalty: India rules Asia once more left Even before the kabaddi competitions began at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Iran had emerged as the sole challenger to the Indian juggernaut. Unsurprisingly, India faced Iran in both the men's and women's finals, emerging victorious on both counts. R.V. Moorthy R.V. Moorthy https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/jqusib/article71551350.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/image%2079.jpeg CHENNAI

India extended its Asian Games dominance in kabaddi, securing a fourth golden double.

Was there ever a doubt? For the fourth time in the history of the Asian Games, the Indian men's and women's kabaddi teams bagged the golden double. For the men, it was a record-extending ninth gold medal, while the women strengthened their position at the top with their fourth.

Even before the kabaddi competitions began at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Iran had emerged as the sole challenger to the Indian juggernaut. Unsurprisingly, India faced Iran in both the men's and women's finals.

Iran, the double champion in 2018, the only year in which India failed to claim gold, ran the defending champions close. But India clinched hard-fought wins (37-34 in women's final; 40-34 in men's final) to defend its titles.

Strong on paper, short on podiums: Indian athletics' Nagoya reality check Strong on paper, short on podiums: Indian athletics' Nagoya reality check Athletics remained India's biggest medal contributor, but its 24-medal haul, despite national records and historic podium finishes, came with a sharp fall in the gold count from Hangzhou. Strong on paper, short on podiums: Indian athletics' Nagoya reality check storyline 1

The men's summit clash had plenty to excite Pro Kabaddi League fans. Iran stars Fazel Atrachali and Mohammadreza Shadloui, both household names in PKL, were part of the contest.

Tempers flared at times too, with the tension reaching its peak at the end when skipper Sunil Kumar was seen gesturing at Shadloui, a reminder of their feud going back years.

center The women strengthened their position at the top of Asian Kabaddi with their fourth gold in five editions of the sport's history within the Asiad. PTI PTI https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/ocjb0n/article71551351.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/image%2080.jpeg

For the Indian women, veteran Sonali Shingate, part of the silver-winning 2018 team, contributed throughout the campaign with her effective raiding. Youngsters like Nikita also showed their potential on the biggest stage in world kabaddi. Captain Pushpa Rana, meanwhile, held firm in defence.

22 to 15: India's shooting slide at the Asian Games and what it reveals 22 to 15: India's shooting slide at the Asian Games and what it reveals Neeru Dhanda's historic trap gold stood out in an otherwise underwhelming Asian Games shooting campaign, exposing deeper concerns in India's rifle and pistol programmes. India's shooting slide at the Asian Games and what it reveals storyline 1

In the men's competition, several Asian Games debutants like Ayan Lochab and Devank Dalal contributed to India's successful run. Sunil marshalled the defence, while 'Hi-Flyer' Pawan Sehrawat was barely sent onto the mat throughout the Games.

Behind India and Iran, Chinese Taipei (men and women), Thailand (men), and Nepal (women) took the bronze medals.