Thailand handed Pakistan their first defeat of the 2026 Asian Games on Wednesday, winning a tightly fought Group B men’s kabaddi contest 48-45 at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Japan. The result ended a strong unbeaten start for Pakistan and left the team needing a big response in their final group fixture.
Background
Pakistan had entered the match in fine form. They opened their Asian Games campaign with a commanding 65-22 win over Malaysia before following it up with another comfortable victory against Nepal, according to Daily Times. Thailand, meanwhile, had quietly built momentum of their own, beating Nepal 59-48 in their tournament opener.
Group B at these Games also includes Iran, and only the top two sides from each group progress to the knockout stage. That made every fixture, including this one, important for seeding heading into the business end of the competition.
Details
The match itself swung dramatically after the interval. Pakistan led at halftime, but different reports place the exact margin slightly differently, with some outlets citing a narrower gap than others. What is consistent across accounts is that Thailand dominated the second half, overturning the deficit to snatch a 48-45 win.
Thailand’s defensive unit was central to the turnaround. They forced multiple all-outs in the second period and picked up several super tackle points, repeatedly stopping Pakistan’s raiders before they could return to their half. Pakistan, by contrast, struggled to convert their early momentum into a lead they could protect.
The defeat was Pakistan’s first of the tournament and snapped what had looked like a smooth run toward the semi-finals. Thailand’s win was also their second of the competition, further strengthening their position in a group that had not expected them to be genuine contenders.
Quotes
Pakistan Kabaddi Federation secretary Mohammad Sarwar spoke to The Express Tribune from Japan after the match, pointing to a drop-off in intensity after the break. He said the players did not perform the way they should have after halftime. Sarwar also highlighted a broader issue facing the squad, noting that Pakistan lacks the level of international match exposure that sides like Thailand have gained by playing more matches abroad.
Impact
For Pakistan, the loss carries real weight. The team has claimed bronze in the men’s kabaddi event at the last three Asian Games and remains the second most decorated kabaddi nation in Games history behind India, yet a gold medal has always eluded them. A shock defeat this early puts extra pressure on their remaining group match.
For Thailand, the result is a significant statement. Long regarded as one of the weaker sides in Asian kabaddi, back-to-back wins over Nepal and now Pakistan mark real progress for a program that has historically struggled at this level, including a difficult showing at the 2018 Asian Games.
Conclusion
Pakistan will now face Iran in a do-or-die Group B match on Thursday, with qualification for the knockouts hanging in the balance. A win would likely be enough to see them through, but anything less could end their campaign early. Thailand, buoyed by their upset win, will look to carry their second-half form into their remaining fixtures as they chase an unlikely run deeper into the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is best in kabaddi?
India is widely regarded as the strongest nation in international kabaddi, particularly at the Asian Games. The Indian men’s team has won 11 of the 13 Asian Games kabaddi golds contested since the sport’s introduction in 1990, missing out only once, when they settled for bronze at the 2018 Jakarta Games. India’s dominance extends to the Kabaddi World Cup as well, where they have historically been the most successful side, though other nations, including Iran, Pakistan and increasingly Thailand, have narrowed the gap in recent years.
Does Pakistan have a kabaddi team?
Yes, Pakistan fields both men’s and women’s kabaddi teams and has a long, competitive history in the sport at the Asian Games. The men’s team has won bronze at each of the last three editions of the Games and is the second most successful kabaddi nation in Asian Games history after India, even though they have never claimed a gold medal. The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation oversees team selection and preparation, and the squad is coached and managed with international competition as its main focus, particularly events like the Asian Games and regional tournaments.
Who is the kabaddi world champion?
India has traditionally dominated the Kabaddi World Cup, winning multiple editions of the tournament since it began in the early 2000s. At the continental level, India also holds the most Asian Games kabaddi titles by a wide margin. That said, the sport has grown more competitive over the past decade, with Iran emerging as India’s closest rival, having won Asian Games gold in the men’s event in 2018, and other nations such as Bangladesh, Thailand and Pakistan improving steadily at major tournaments.
