Nepal win bronze in women's kabaddi despite semifinal loss to India

Nepal have won the bronze medal in women's kabaddi at the ongoing 20th Asian Games in Japan.

Nepal failed to reach the final after losing 48-24 to India in the semifinal played at Tokai Citizen Gymnasium in Ichi-Nagoya on Friday.

India led the first half 31-17.

In the second half, India extended the gap further, scoring 17-7.

Nepal's bronze medal was confirmed upon reaching the semifinal.

In the group stage, Nepal had beaten Thailand 46-43 but lost to Chinese Taipei 37-18.

Nepal beat Sri Lanka 34-25 on Thursday, winning two of their three group matches to reach the semifinal.

At the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China in 2023, Nepal had also lost to India in the semifinal and settled for bronze.

With this, the Nepali women's kabaddi team has won bronze for the second consecutive edition of the Asian Games.

This is Nepal's second medal at the 20th Asian Games.

Earlier, Tenzing Sherpa had won Nepal's first bronze medal in the men's karate kumite 84 kg category.

In men's cricket, Nepal also began with a win over Afghanistan on Friday.