Tokai City: The defending Asian Games champions, India’s men’s kabaddi team, made a strong start to their title-defence campaign at the Asian Games 2026 by defeating hosts Japan 49-24 on Monday.

In the match played at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium, India maintained pressure from the opening minutes. Ayan Lochab and Devank Dalal produced effective performances in the raiding department and helped India take a commanding 31-9 lead by half-time.

India continued in the same rhythm in the second half, adding 18 more points to seal the match.

Along with Ayan Lochab and Devank Dalal, Ashu Malik also made an important contribution to India’s attack.

Several members of the Indian team are making their Asian Games debut, but the team’s collective performance in the opening match provided an indication of their preparation.

India have been placed in Group A of the men’s kabaddi competition alongside Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei.

During the group stage, every team will face each other, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.