Asian Games 2026 Kabaddi: Bangladesh and Pakistan Top Respective Groups After a Dramatic Opening Day

Day 1 of the kabaddi event at the Asian Games 2026 produced five matches, one thriller and two group leaders. Bangladesh won twice—39-35 against the Republic of Korea and 48-47 against Chinese Taipei. Pakistan crushed Malaysia 65-22. India eased past hosts Japan 49-24, while Thailand overcame Nepal 59-48. Korea's experienced player Jang Kun Lee could not prevent the defeat. Bangladesh started the day with a tight win over Korea, then returned in the evening to edge Chinese Taipei by a single point. The narrow margins show that Bangladesh topped their group not through dominance but through game-day clutch moments. Pakistan, meanwhile, sent the strongest signal with a 43-point margin against Malaysia. India also looked balanced, scoring 49 while holding Japan to 24. Thailand's 59 points were the highest of the day, but their inability to stop Nepal from reaching 48 exposed a weak defensive structure. After the first day, Bangladesh lead Group A with four points from two wins, followed by Thailand on two. In Group B, Pakistan and India are level on two points, with Pakistan ahead on point difference (+43 vs +25). Japan and Malaysia have yet to open their accounts. The deeper story lies in the margins. Bangladesh won two matches by a combined five points, while Pakistan produced one victory with a 43-point difference. That contrast suggests Bangladesh's defence still has gaps despite the perfect start. The team must fix those gaps before the knockouts, because celebratory one-point wins can quickly become costly in a long tournament. Day 2 will reveal whether Bangladesh can turn narrow wins into commanding performances and whether Pakistan can maintain their ruthless streak.