Seven-time Asian games gold medallist India’s streak was today broken by an inspired Iran as they thumped the world champions 18-27 on the back of some impressive defensive work.
Kabaddi was introduced in the Asian Games way back in 1990 and since then the men’s team have won all the seven gold medals. This will be the worst performance of the “Kabaddi powerhouse India” in the Asian event and fans on social media think that the title of “Kabaddi Powerhouse” will now shift to Iran after today’s victory.
India will now play arch-rivals Pakistan for the bronze medal match. In the last meeting, India thumped Pakistan in the Kabaddi Masters Dubai in a one sided final.
A well balanced Iran will now eye top honours as they will face South Korea in the finals. The Korean team had earlier defeated India in the group stages that forced Ajay Thakur’s team to finish second in their pool.
Time to re-think
The loss to Iran has raised eyebrows over India’s performance. It clearly looks the case of superstar players needing one good leader like Anup Kumar or Manjeet Chillar to handle the situation. Its time for the team management to think about the selection and have an in-depth analysis of India’s amateurish show at the Asian sporting event.
