NEW DELHI: Both the Indian men's and women's kabaddi teams emerged victorious in their group fixtures at the Asian Games held on Tuesday, leaving a trail of comprehensive victories in their wake.
The Indian men's team, renowned as seven-time champions in the sport, kick-started their campaign with a resounding 55-18 triumph over Bangladesh in a gripping group A match. After falling to a bronze medal finish in the 2018 edition, the Indian men's team showcased their determination to regain the Asian Games gold medal.
They surged to a commanding 24-9 lead at halftime, with Naveen Kumar Goyat and Arjun Deshwal leading their raids with remarkable finesse. The duo's superb performance culminated in the first all-out of the match in the 12th minute.
Although Bangladesh managed to execute two supertackles during the first half, targeting Pawan Sehrawat and Goyat, their efforts fell short. India extended their lead by 12 points within the first 20 minutes of play. As the match progressed, Bangladesh encountered difficulties in their raiding attempts, allowing the Indian team to widen the gap further in the second half and secure a convincing victory.
On the women's front, the Indian team achieved a decisive 56-23 win over South Korea during their second group A encounter. India, the silver medalists in the previous edition of the games, encountered a surprising 34-34 draw against Chinese Taipei in their opening match on Monday.
In the men's event, India finds itself grouped with Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Japan in Group A, while Group B comprises Iran, Korea, Pakistan, and Malaysia. The Indian teams, brimming with talent and determination, are eager to make their mark in kabaddi and pursue the coveted Asian Games gold medals.
The performances of the Indian kabaddi teams have left fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipating more thrilling encounters as they progress through the tournament, with high hopes of clinching top honors once again.
(With inputs from PTI)
