Busan, Republic of Korea: In a thrilling final match of the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023, India emerged victorious by defeating Iran with a scoreline of 42-32 at the Dong-Eui Institute of Technology Seokdang Cultural Centre on Friday. This remarkable triumph marked India’s eighth title in nine editions of the championship.
Led by Captain Pawan Sehrawat, the Indian men’s kabaddi team showcased their prowess as they turned the game around after initially trailing behind Iran in the opening minutes. With solid defensive tackles and successful raids from Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar, India secured their first all-out of the match in the 10th minute, shifting the momentum in their favour.
Building on their lead, the defending champions continued to dominate the game with an exceptional all-around performance. While Iran managed to gain a few easy bonus points, India delivered a second all-out on their opponents in the 19th minute, further widening the gap.
Entering the second half with a comfortable lead of 23-11, India faced a resilient Iranian side led by captain Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh. Chiyaneh’s two-point raid followed by a super raid led to Iran inflicting their first all-out on India in the 29th minute, narrowing the scoreline.
As the match neared its end, Iran managed to reduce the deficit to 38-31 with just two minutes remaining, creating a tense atmosphere. However, India held their nerves and secured a hard-fought 42-32 victory, clinching the championship title.
Earlier in the tournament, India displayed their dominance by defeating Hong Kong with a commanding score of 64-20, finishing the league stage undefeated.
Six teams participated in the Asian Kabaddi Championships, including India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong. India maintained an unbeaten streak throughout the league stage, topping the points table, while Iran finished in second place after losing only to India.
The Indian kabaddi teams will now set their sights on the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, scheduled from September 23 to October 8. Iran, the defending champions from the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, pose a significant challenge for the Indian teams as they aim to reclaim the title at the continental multi-sport showpiece.
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