India can’t be stopped: Kabaddi teams storm into Asian Games final favorites to win gold

The Indian men’s and women’s kabaddi teams marched into the finals of the Asian Games on Friday with unbeaten records, coming within one win of defending their titles after winning the semi-finals in Aichi-Nagoya.

The women started the day off, defeating Nepal 48-24 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium to book their place in the gold medal game.

The Indian raiders were relentless throughout, producing 35 points to Nepal’s 18, while the defense held firm to force three All-Outs. Sanju Devi was the focal point of India’s attacking threat and repeatedly found gaps in Nepal’s defense as the defending champions gained control.

India went into half-time with a 31-17 lead, having already played two all-outs. Nepal managed 13 touch points and a Super Tackle in the opening half, but India’s dominance proved too substantial.

The second half was more controlled. India added another 17 points, including a third All-Out, while Nepal managed just five touch points and two bonus points after the restart.

The the win extended India’s unbeaten streak and maintained their bid for a back-to-back Asian Games title. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between Iran and Chinese Taipei in Saturday’s final.

THE MAN’S EMPHATIC STATEMENT

The men then made an even stronger statement, sweeping Thailand 66-28 to reach the final.

India started aggressively, with their raiders constantly picking up bonus points, while a disciplined defense put Thailand under pressure. Devank Dalal was particularly difficult to contain and helped India trigger an early All-Out.

Thailand was able to respond. Supawit Somrat brought down Ayan Lohchab with a holdback before Theeradet Chaisit produced a three-point Super Raid. Chaisit struck again with an All-Out for India to briefly bring Thailand back into the contest.

However, India regained control through Devank and Arjun Deshwala who continued to find points in attack. Chaisit remained Thailand’s biggest threat but India finished the half strongly to secure another All-Out to take a 37-18 lead into the break.

Thailand did not have much respite after the restart. Devank continued his impressive outing while Ayan Lohchab added points as the Indian raiders repeatedly opened the gap. Another All-out stretched the lead further before the Indian defense stiffened in the match.

Aslam Inamdar contributed at both ends of the mat as India began to pull away decisively. Thailand struggled to deal with the sustained pressure and the defending champions eventually closed out a 38-point victory.

India’s 66 points included 43 outs, 15 bonus points and eight All-Out points, while Thailand managed 20 outs, five bonus points, two All-Out points and one technical point.

The result was a perfect semi-final day for Indian kabaddi. Both teams have now reached the gold medal match without losing a match, keeping alive their bid to retain the Asian Games titles they won in Hangzhou.

The men will face the winner of Chinese Taipei and Iran in Saturday’s final from 2.30pm, while the women will also face the winner of the corresponding semi-final as they chase another Asian Games gold.

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