Kabaddi: Indian men, women march to semis

Nagoya: Defending champions India stormed into the men’s and women’s kabaddi semi-finals with resounding wins over Chinese Taipei and Japan in their Group A fixtures here on Thursday.

While the Indian men defeated Chinese Taipei 37-21 in their final Group A fixture, the Indian women outplay hosts Japan 50-25 to top their group.

The victory was Indian men’s fourth consecutive in the group stage, where the side earlier defeated South Korea, Japan and Bangladesh to sign off unbeaten and be assured of at least a bronze.

India dominated from the outset. India collected 28 points through successful raids, three bonus points and six points from all-outs. Since kabaddi became an Asiad sport in 1990, the Indian men’s team has won nine medals, including eight gold, maintaining unparalleled dominance in the sport. The record streak of golds was only disrupted in 2018 when the side ended with a bronze. The Indian women’s team has remained unbeaten in the group stage, securing consecutive victories by defeating Iran 37-23 after beating Bangladesh in its opening match.

Against Japan, it was a one-sided contest as the Indian women led 32-13 in the first half before scoring 18 more points in the second half. The Indians collected 37 out points, seven bonus points, and six all out points.

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The Hans India