Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai speaks to Chhattisgarh kabaddi star Sanju Devi over the phone after the Indian women’s team won gold at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CMO
Korba kabaddi star plays key role as India defeat Iran 37-34 to retain women’s title in Aichi-Nagoya
Key Highlights
- India beat Iran 37-34 in the women’s kabaddi final to retain the Asian Games gold.
- Korba’s Sanju Devi was part of India’s gold-medal-winning squad and made important contributions during the tournament.
- CM Vishnu Deo Sai personally spoke to Sanju Devi over the phone and congratulated her.
- India remained unbeaten on its way to the title, including victories over Bangladesh, Iran and Japan in the group stage and Nepal in the semi-final.
- The triumph gave India its fourth women’s kabaddi gold at the Asian Games, after earlier titles in 2010, 2014 and 2022.
Chief Minister Sai also congratulated the entire Indian women’s kabaddi team, its coaches and support staff, and wished the players success in future international competitions
Raipur: Chhattisgarh’s Sanju Devi has added another golden chapter to her sporting journey, playing a key role in the Indian women’s kabaddi team’s triumph at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
India defeated Iran 37-34 in a closely fought final on Saturday, September 26, 2026 to successfully defend the women’s kabaddi title. The result is confirmed by the official Olympics Asian Games report as well as other contemporary reports.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai spoke to Sanju Devi over the phone after the victory and congratulated the Korba player on bringing pride to Chhattisgarh and the country.
“Through your talent, hard work and outstanding performance, you have brought laurels not only to Chhattisgarh but to the entire country,” the Chief Minister told her, according to the state government release.
Sai said Sanju’s success would serve as an inspiration for young sportspersons across Chhattisgarh, particularly girls aspiring to represent the country at national and international competitions.
From Korba to Asian Games Gold
Sanju Devi, who hails from Korba district, was an important part of India’s campaign throughout the tournament. She led India’s attacking charge in the 42-21 opening victory over Bangladesh and was again central to the raiding effort when India defeated Nepal 48-24 in the semi-final.
The Chief Minister said the achievement demonstrated how sporting talent emerging from Chhattisgarh’s villages and smaller towns could succeed on the international stage when provided opportunities, training and support.
“Her achievement has made the entire state of Chhattisgarh proud,” Sai said.
He added that the State Government would continue working to provide better training, facilities and opportunities to promising sportspersons, including those from rural and tribal regions.
