India, Sept. 26 -- Sparks flew after almost every move. There were arguments, finger-pointing, snarls and thigh-slapping celebrations. In no other kabaddi match, in no other tournament, and against no other opponent did a single point matter more.

For over a decade, Iran has been the undisputed challenger to a throne that India has virtually owned. Iran broke India's myth of invincibility once, at the 2018 Asian Games.

They threatened to do it again on Saturday in Aichi. But India had learnt its lesson - they would not let it happen.

In the final of the men's kabaddi event at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, India won 40-34.

This was the Indian contingent's fourth gold medal at this edition of the Asiad, and the men's kabaddi team's nin...