Indian women defeat Iran 37–34 to defend their Asian Games title; Indian Railways reaffirms commitment to developing sporting talent through the Railway Sports Promotion Board

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw met members of India’s gold medal-winning women’s Kabaddi team at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi, congratulating the players on their victory at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The Indian team defeated Iran 37–34 in a closely contested final on 26 September 2026, successfully defending its Asian Games title. The Minister praised the players for their dedication, determination and sporting excellence, acknowledging their achievement in bringing pride to the country.

The meeting also highlighted Indian Railways’ continued role in supporting athletes and nurturing sporting talent through the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB).

Key Highlights

• Event: Asian Games 2026, held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• Achievement: India’s women’s Kabaddi team won gold and defended its title.
• Final score: India defeated Iran 37–34 on 26 September 2026.
• Team captain: Pushpa Rana.
• Head coach: Neeta Moreshwar Dadwe.
• Ministerial interaction: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met the players at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Railway representation: The players included sportspersons from South Central, Northern and Western Railway.
• Institutional support: Indian Railways continues to promote athletes through the Railway Sports Promotion Board.

Railway Employees Play Key Role in India’s Kabaddi Triumph

The Railway sportspersons who met the Minister included:

• Neeta Moreshwar Dadwe — Head Coach, South Central Railway
• Ritu Negi — South Central Railway
• Pooja — Northern Railway
• Pinky Roy — South Central Railway
• Sonali Vishnu Shingate — Western Railway
• Raj Rani — Western Railway

The team’s victory reflects the contribution of athletes and coaching staff in preparing for major international competitions. The participation of railway employees also underscores the organisation’s role in providing opportunities for sportspersons to pursue competitive sports alongside employment.

Indian Railways’ Contribution to Sports Development

Indian Railways has a longstanding record of supporting athletes through the Railway Sports Promotion Board. Its sportspersons have represented India at major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

Through institutional backing and opportunities to combine sporting careers with employment, Indian Railways contributes to the development of athletes and the broader national sports ecosystem.

Relevance for Sports Tourism and Hospitality

The team’s achievement also offers a wider connection to India’s sports tourism and hospitality sectors.

1. Growing interest in sports-led travel: Major international victories can increase public interest in sports such as Kabaddi, potentially supporting attendance at tournaments, leagues and sporting events across India.

2. Opportunities for event hospitality: Sporting competitions generate demand for hotels, restaurants, transport, catering and event-management services, particularly when tournaments attract teams, officials, fans and media from different regions.

3. Promoting India’s sporting identity: International sporting success can strengthen the visibility of Indian sports and encourage destinations to host competitions, training camps and related events.

4. Scope for sports tourism development: With appropriate event infrastructure and visitor facilities, sports competitions can become part of a destination’s tourism offering, creating opportunities for local hospitality businesses.

These are potential sectoral benefits; the PIB announcement does not report specific tourism or hospitality outcomes arising from the team’s victory.

Conclusion

India’s women’s Kabaddi team has added another Asian Games gold medal to its record by defeating Iran 37–34 in the 2026 final. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s interaction with the players at Rail Bhawan recognised their achievement and highlighted Indian Railways’ ongoing contribution to nurturing sporting talent.

For the sports tourism and hospitality ecosystem, such achievements can help raise the profile of Indian sports and strengthen interest in sporting events, while Indian Railways’ athlete-support system demonstrates how employment institutions can contribute to the country’s sporting development.