Pinky Roy dedicates Asian Games gold to late mother and sister

The Indian women’s kabaddi team celebrated a gold medal triumph at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Iran 37‑34 in a closely contested final on September 26 in New Delhi. Team captain Pinky Roy expressed that the squad set out for the tournament with a firm resolve to win, reflecting on their 2022 gold medal success and the five‑month intensive camp that preceded the event.

After a convincing 14‑point pool‑stage victory over Iran, the opponent rallied in the final, narrowing the gap to 26‑27 before India surged ahead again to seal the win. In the post‑match interview, Pinky paid tribute to her mother, who passed away in 2017, and to her elder sister, saying, “My mother always wanted to see me in the Indian jersey, and this medal is for her and my sister.”

She also called for a women's professional kabaddi league akin to the men’s Pro Kabaddi League, emphasizing that such a platform would encourage young girls to take up the sport.

Senior raider Ritu Negi, a 2006 starter and Indian Railways player, highlighted the tactical discipline that guided the team. She thanked the Government of India, Sports Authority of India, and the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India for the support that made the gold possible, urging continued investment in the sport.