India clinch eighth Asian Kabaddi Championship title | More sports News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India reaffirmed their dominance in the world of kabaddi as they captured the Asian Kabaddi Championship title for the eighth time in nine editions by defeating Iran in a thrilling final. The highly anticipated match took place at the Dong-Eui Institute of Technology Seokdang Cultural Center in Busan, South Korea on Friday.
India’s kabaddi prowess was on full display as they showcased their skills, overcoming an early deficit to secure a resounding 42-32 victory over Iran. This triumph extends India’s legacy as the most successful team in the history of the championship.

In the initial stages of the final, Iran surged ahead, putting pressure on the Indian team. However, the Indian defenders countered effectively, notching up crucial tackle points. The tide turned when Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar led successful raids, resulting in India’s first All-Out of the match in the 10th minute.
India continued to apply relentless pressure on the Iranians, executing another All-Out. By the conclusion of the first half, India commanded an impressive 23-11 lead, leaving Iran with a mountain to climb in the final period.
The start of the second half saw Iran’s all-rounder, Mohammadreza Chiyaneh, make a valiant attempt to stage a comeback. With a two-point raid and a super raid, Chiyaneh inflicted the first All-Out on India in the 29th minute, rekindling hope for the Iranian side.

Both teams displayed remarkable determination and skill throughout the high-voltage encounter, but India managed to hold their nerve and clinch a hard-fought 42-32 victory, sealing their eighth championship title.
Earlier in the tournament, India had shown their dominance by convincingly defeating Hong Kong 64-20, concluding the league stage undefeated. India’s flawless performance in the league matches enabled them to finish atop the points table. Iran secured the second position, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Indian team during the league stage, propelling them to the final.
With the Asian Kabaddi Championship triumph, India now sets its sights on the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, slated to be held from September 23 to October 8. The Indian kabaddi team will aim to reclaim the Asian Games title and avenge their defeat to Iran in the semifinals of the 2018 edition held in Jakarta. Iran, the defending champions, will present a formidable challenge as the stage is set for an enthralling kabaddi showdown at the continental multi-sport spectacle.
(With inputs from IANS)