Iran Complete Dominant Sweep Over Pakistan in Kabaddi Series 2026

Iran’s latest run against Pakistan was more than just a collection of friendly matches. With the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya approaching, the series provided both sides with an important opportunity to test combinations, give players international exposure and measure their level against one of the region's traditional kabaddi powers. And Iran made the most of it.

Iran dominate from the opening day

The series began with Iran immediately establishing their superiority. In the opening match, Iran B defeated Pakistan A 43-30, producing a 13-point victory. The second game saw another convincing Iranian performance, with Iran A beating Pakistan B 49-25 by a massive 24-point margin. The results set the tone for what followed. Pakistan were unable to find a winning formula against either of Iran's sides, while Iran's depth stood out. The ability to rotate players between the A and B teams without losing intensity was one of the biggest takeaways from the series. The first two results were also reported as part of Iran's dominant start to the bilateral series.

Pakistan Junior team push Iran, but fall short

One of the more competitive contests came when Iran faced Pakistan's junior side. Iran eventually came through 46-43, winning by only three points in a high-scoring encounter. Unlike the earlier matches, Pakistan managed to stay within touching distance throughout the contest and pushed the Iranian side into a much tighter battle. For Pakistan's young players, the match offered valuable experience against a team filled with international-level talent. For Iran, meanwhile, it was another reminder that even when the opposition applies pressure, their ability to find a way across the finishing line remains a major strength.

Iran finish the series in style

The closing matches again belonged to Iran. Iran B defeated Pakistan B 38-21, winning by 17 points, before Iran A completed another comfortable victory against Pakistan A, 42-25. That final result meant Iran ended the series with another emphatic performance and reinforced the gap between the two sides. The series results available from the match graphics were:

The available series reporting records Iran completing a 6-0 sweep, with both Iran A and Iran B contributing to an unbeaten campaign.

Shadloui sends a warning to India

Perhaps the most interesting storyline to emerge from the series came away from the scoreboard. Iranian star Mohammad Reza Shadloui issued a direct message ahead of the Asian Games, making it clear that Iran are not travelling to Japan simply to participate. “We are ready for the Indian team. This time the gold medal is for us.” The statement immediately adds another layer to what could become one of the biggest kabaddi battles of the Asian Games. Shadloui is no stranger to Indian kabaddi. The Iranian defender has built a major reputation through the Pro Kabaddi League and has established himself as one of Iran's most dangerous defensive players. He has also been part of Iran's recent Asian Games campaigns, including the silver-medal winning side at Hangzhou. And now, with the 2026 Asian Games approaching, his confidence is unmistakable.

A warning sign for India?

Iran's performance against Pakistan does not automatically make them favourites against India. The Asian Games will bring a completely different level of pressure, preparation and competition. But the series has certainly sent a message. Iran have shown depth, defensive strength and the ability to win with both their A and B units. Their squad also contains several players with significant Pro Kabaddi League experience, giving them familiarity with the intensity and tactical demands of elite kabaddi. India, meanwhile, will arrive in Japan as the team everyone wants to beat. That makes the potential India-Iran clash even more intriguing. The two nations have produced some of the most memorable matches in Asian kabaddi, and Iran will enter the Asian Games with confidence after this unbeaten run. India will have their own plans, though and with Sunil Kumar leading the Indian men's team, the stage is set for another chapter in one of kabaddi's biggest rivalries. Iran have made their statement. Now India have to answer. The Pakistan series may have been played away from the Asian Games spotlight, but its message is impossible to ignore. Iran are coming to Japan confident, battle-tested and chasing gold.

And if the tournament brings India and Iran together, Shadloui's challenge could turn into one of the most eagerly awaited kabaddi battles of the Asian Games. But don't forget the legacy of India in the sport of Kabaddi.