Jakarta: Seven-time champion India failed to reach the Asian Games men’s kabaddi final for the first time after a shock 18-27 loss to Iran in the semifinals here Thursday. This was their second loss in the tournament, having been beaten by South Korea in their pool game. It was a huge loss of face as since the sport was introduced in 1990 at the Beijing Asiad, India had always won gold.
Now they will have to return with the bronze medal along with Pakistan who were beaten in the other semifinal by South Korea.
There were a few men’s players who explained that the Pro Kabaddi League had led to their defeat as it had opened up the doors to foreign players to learn Indian techniques and tactics.
However, the Indian women kept hopes of gold alive by entering their third successive Asiad final with a dominating win 27-14 over Chinese Taipei
The women’s team who won the World Cup thrice in 2012, 2013 and 2014, will face either Iran or Thailand in the finals.
The Indian eves were speedier than their Taipei counterparts and be it in attack or defence, repeatedly caught their opponents napping.