Indian women’s kabaddi team won gold in a thrilling final against Chinese Taipei in Hangzhou, China, giving the nation the elusive 100th medal at the 2023 Asian Games.
The same opponent held India to a 34-34 draw in the group stage, but the women in blue managed to run out the clock with a one-point advantage at the conclusion of the top match. Due to a spectacular attack by Pooja, the Indian team had a 14-9 advantage at the break. After the game restarted, it increased its lead to seven points until Chinese Taipei scored five straight. After a successful review, Pooja received a critical touch point as time was running out and the score was 24-24. In the final two raids, the women in blue maintained composure in order to finish the game and secure the victory. After a shocking loss to Iran in the 2018 championship match, India, the winner in 2010 and 2014, recaptured the gold title.