India, Sept. 26 -- India retained the women's kabaddi gold at the Asian Games on Saturday after edging past Iran 37-34 in a closely fought final.

The defending champions looked in control early and went into the half-time break with a 22-16 lead. Iran, however, came back strongly after the interval and turned the contest into a tense finish.

The Iranian side reduced India's advantage to just one point at 27-26 with around eight minutes remaining, putting the defending champions under sustained pressure.

India responded when it mattered most, tightening their defence and keeping Iran from completing the comeback. A crucial tackle in the closing stages helped India protect their lead and seal another Asian Games title.

The victory marke...