At the buzzing Xiaoshan Guali Sports Centre in Hangzhou, China, the Indian women’s kabaddi team showcased a commanding performance, marking their first win at the Asian Games 2023. The spirited India's women's kabaddi team bulldozed South Korea, registering an emphatic 56-23 victory on Tuesday.
Star players, Pooja Hathwala and Pushpa, who previously made significant contributions against Chinese Taipei, emerged as the raiding stalwarts, each securing a super 10. Complementing the strong attack, the defence, steered by team captain Ritu Negi, displayed resilience by thwarting Korean raiders throughout the game.
With this win, the Indian team’s tally climbs to three points from two games in Group A of the women's kabaddi championship at the Asian Games 2023. Their campaign had kicked off with a draw against Chinese Taipei, which witnessed both teams ending level. As the group matches progress, Chinese Taipei is set to lock horns with Thailand.
In stark contrast to their conservative strategy in the inaugural match, the Indian women charged with aggression against the Koreans. Within the first five minutes, India asserted dominance by achieving their first all-out, with Pooja Hathwala, Pushpa, and Nidhi Sharma accumulating vital points through successful raids. This aggression led the team to an early 11-2 advantage.
South Korea made an attempt to recalibrate, slowing down India momentarily by scoring through tackles. Yet, the Korean raiders faced staunch resistance from India’s solid defence, preventing them from amassing significant points.
By halftime, India had already asserted dominance, inflicting three all-outs on South Korea and closing the half with a formidable 32-9 lead.
South Korea returned after the break with renewed vigour, momentarily slowing down India's raiding juggernaut by taking down key players, Pushpa and Pooja Hathwala. Nevertheless, the Indian squad's resilience was evident as they soon regained control. Two more all-outs inflicted on the South Korean side sealed the game in India's favour with a decisive 33-point margin of victory.
As the group matches progress, India's next challenge is against Thailand in their final group match on Wednesday. While a defeat is the only obstacle preventing India's progression to the semi-finals, the team aspires to maintain their winning momentum. They aim to secure a top spot in their group, which could possibly steer them clear of a clash with the formidable defending champions, Iran, on Friday.
All eyes are now on the grand stage, as the women’s kabaddi finale of the Asian Games 2023 is scheduled for Saturday.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Asian Games 2023: Delight as men's compound archers Abhishek Verma, Ojas Deotale confirm gold-silver, Jyothi to fight for gold
Yashasvi Jaiswal shatters Shubman Gill's all-time Indian record with maiden T20I ton in Asian Games vs Nepal
