Kabaddi - Team Islamic Republic of Iran

General
The Islamic Republic of Iran became the first team other than India to win gold in men's kabaddi at the Asian Games by securing the title at Indonesia 2018. They won all five of their group matches four years ago before facing the defending gold medallists, India, in the semifinals. A 27-18 victory set up a final against the Republic of Korea, which the Iranians won 26-16.

The Iranian team had made their Asian Games debut in 2006 in Doha, where they finished fourth after losing in the bronze medal match 37-26 to Bangladesh. They were silver medallists in 2010 and 2014, losing both finals to India.

The Islamic Republic of Iran's rivalry with India has crossed over to the World Cup [international format]. The finals of all three editions of the tournament between 2004 and 2016 were contested between the two teams, with India claiming victory on all three occasions.