In the 2023 Asian Kabaddi Championship final on Friday at the Dong-Eui Institute of Technology Seokdang Cultural Centre in Busan, Republic of Korea, and India put up an incredible performance to defeat Iran 42-32.
In the fourth game of the Asian Kabaddi Championship, Team India played Iran, which was a dangerous opponent. India won with a score of 33-28 despite a fierce struggle between the two sides. India has now won the competition four times in a row, sealing its position in the championship game. On the other hand, it represents Iran’s first defeat in the championship. Iran had a perfect record prior to this match, but they were unable to overcome India’s opposition.
In nine editions, this was India’s eighth victory. With a fantastic 10, Indian captain Pawan Sehrawat took the initiative. The Indian men’s kabaddi team trailed Iran in the first five minutes of the game. However, Iran was obliged to go all-out in the 10th minute of play following a few tackle points by the defence and productive raids by Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar.
The Indian kabaddi team quickly strengthened their lead as they gained momentum and put up an outstanding overall performance. Iran defeated the defending champions India with a few simple bonus points, but in the 19th minute India inflicted a second all-out on Iran.
India led by a score of 23-11 going into the break. The Iranian team’s captain, Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, helped India suffer its first all-out in the 29th minute with a two-point raid and a super raid.
The game became tense as Iran reduced the deficit to 38-31 with two minutes left, but India hung on to eke out a 42-32 triumph.
India had thrashed Hong Kong 64-20 earlier in the day to finish the league stage of the competition unbeaten.
In the second half, the Indian team made multiple defensive errors that Iran took advantage of, bringing the game to a crucial juncture where India was on the verge of an All-Out. The squad avoided an All-Out when Captain Pawan Sehrawat secured a key raid point with just two players left on the mat. However, the Indian team was finally defeated by an All-Out in the 34th minute, resulting in a 26-22 final score. India only had a two-point lead in the waning minutes, but Nitesh Kumar’s pivotal Super Tackle sealed the victory.
