{
  "id": 8885602,
  "title": "Asian Games 2026: India Thrash Japan 49-24 In Men's Kabaddi Opener, Shine With Shooting And MMA Medals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/asian-games-2026-india-thrash-japan-49-24-in-mens-kabaddi-opener",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T07:35:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/asian-games-2026-india-thrash-japan-49-24-in-mens-kabaddi-opener-shine-with-shooting-and-mma-medals"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, India made a strong start to their men's Kabaddi campaign, defeating Japan 49-24 in their opening match. The Indian team dominated from the beginning, with Japan scoring the first point but immediately losing it back to India through a touch point by Ayan Lochhab. Ashu then delivered a remarkable three-point raid, giving India a 11-2 lead. The Indian defense also executed a successful all-out, solidifying their advantage at 18-2. The match ended with India leading 31-9 at halftime, thanks to contributions from Ashu, Devank, Sunil Kumar, and Rahul. India continued their performance in the second half, with Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, and Aslam Inamdar joining the attack. Despite Japan's late resistance, India maintained control and sealed the victory with a comprehensive 49-24 win.",
  "summary": "Aichi-Nagoya: India began their men's kabaddi campaign at the Asian Games 2026 in dominant fashion, defeating Japan 49-24 in their opening match on Monday. Japan opened the scoring with a bonus point, but India quickly responded as Ayan Lochhab levelled the scores with a touch point. India soon took complete control of the contest. Ashu produced a superb three-point raid before India's defence…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun",
        "title": "Japan Wins Gold in Karate, Swimming at Asian Games on Monday; Also Takes 3 Silver Medals, 1 Bronze",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/japan-wins-gold-in-karate-swimming-at-asian-games-on-monday-also",
        "published": "2026-09-21T10:06:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}