Held at the Xiaoshan Guali Sports Centre, the Asian Games witnessed the unbeatable prowess of the Indian kabaddi teams. Both the men's and women's teams made their mark by bulldozing their Thailand counterparts in what seemed like a kabaddi super show.
The men's team, who has been crowned Asian Games champions seven times in the past, showed no mercy against Thailand, registering an emphatic 63-26 win. Their intent was clear from the onset, swiftly inflicting the first 'all-out' within moments of the game’s commencement. The agility and tact with which they played became evident as they managed to force not one, but two more 'all-outs' by half-time, securing a dominant 37-9 lead. Pramot Saising, Thailand's last line of defense during one of these 'all-outs', was tackled down, further emphasizing India's supremacy.
As the match progressed, the second half mirrored the first with India's unwavering dominance. Another 'all-out' was inflicted upon the Thai team, stretching the lead to a whopping 53-17. Although the Thai players showed glimpses of resistance, their frequent faltering raids were overshadowed by India's superior gameplay. Ultimately, India clinched the game with a half score of 26-17.
It's worth noting that this wasn’t the men’s team's first taste of victory in the tournament. They had previously decimated Bangladesh with a 55-18 scoreline.
Parallelly, the Indian women's team, who were the silver medalists in the previous edition, matched the men’s energy, securing a compelling 54-22 victory over Thailand. The Indian eves displayed exemplary skills right from the start, holding a commendable 32-9 lead by half-time and ending with a 22-13 lead in the latter half. This decisive win ensured their top position in the group, paving the way for their semifinal berth.
Earlier in the tournament, the women’s team exhibited their mettle with a 56-23 triumph over South Korea, further solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse. However, they did face an unexpected challenge, settling for a 34-34 draw against Chinese Taipei in their tournament opener.
With the group stages unfolding, the men's kabaddi teams are pitted in Group A, sharing the group with teams from Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Japan. In contrast, Group B features the likes of Iran, Korea, Pakistan, and Malaysia.
As the Asian Games progresses, India's consistent performance in kabaddi paints a promising picture, reigniting hopes of standing atop the podium once again. With the semifinals on the horizon, kabaddi enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting more electrifying matches.
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