India, Sept. 21 -- India began their bid to retain the men's kabaddi gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with a strong 49-24 victory over hosts Japan in their opening Group A match at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Monday. The defending champions established control early, taking a commanding 31-9 lead into the break before Japan showed greater resistance after halftime. India managed the hosts' fightback effectively to start their title defence with a convincing win.

Pakistan also opened their men's kabaddi campaign in impressive fashion, cruising past Malaysia 65-22 in Nagoya on Monday. Pakistan dominated from the outset and went into half-time with a 38-11 advantage. They continued to extend the gap after the break, ev...