News / Sports

Iran kabaddi teams beat India, S Korea to clinch 2018 Asian Games golds

Friday, 24 August 2018 4:45 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 24 August 2018 5:54 PM ]

Iranian gold medalists celebrate during the victory ceremony for the women's kabaddi at the Jakarta Palembang 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia on August 24, 2018. (AFP)

Iranians have won gold medals in both men's and women's kabaddi championships at the Jakarta Palembang 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

After winning over defending champion India, the Iranian men's team secured a strong 26-16 victory over South Korea in the final on Friday, becoming the Asian kabaddi champions.

The Iranian men's team ranked second after champion India in the past two Asian Games and past three World Cup tournaments.

The Indian men’s team has been kabaddi champion for seven times in the games.

Iranians put away the Indian team in the semi-finals, ending that team’s dominant run at the event.

Iranian gold medalists celebrate during the victory ceremony of the men's kabaddi event at the Jakarta Palembang 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, August 24, 2018. (AFP)

The Iranian women's kabaddi team also stopped their Indian arch-rivals from winning their third successive gold. The Iranians edged past India 27-24 to avenge their 2014 Asian final defeat against the Indian side. Their victory marks the first time a women's team has beaten India in kabaddi at the Asian Games.

Iran stun India once again! A day after the men's team beat India in the men's semi-final, the women beat defending champions India to win the gold medal in the women's kabaddi event!

🇮🇳 24 - 27 🇮🇷#AsianGames2018

LIVE: https://t.co/fVJ0Omd2hJ pic.twitter.com/EmErS1fdqM
— FirstpostSports (@FirstpostSports) August 24, 2018

Before this year's event, India had the most successful kabaddi teams on the world stage, winning all international titles in both men’s and women’s categories.

A member of Iranian women's kabaddi team defends during the final match between Iran and India at the Jakarta Palembang 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, August 24, 2018. (AFP)

At the 18th Asian Games, which started on August 8 and continues until September 2, Iran has so far won 31 medals, including 12 gold, 11 silver and eight Bronze medals.

This year's games are being held in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk