Asian Games: India thrash Korea to keep Kabaddi title defence on track
India outclassed the Republic of Korea 63-31 in their second Group A kabaddi match at the Asian Games. The emphatic win keeps the title defence on track as they remain unbeaten before the final league fixtures.
by Alan Jose John · India TodayIn Short
- Sunil Kumar's side controlled proceedings from the opening whistle
- India led 34-14 at half-time after two All-Outs stretched control
- India will face Bangladesh next on September 23
India continued their strong start to the Asian Games kabaddi campaign, brushing aside the Republic of Korea 63-31 in their second Group A match at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium on Tuesday. Led by captain Sunil Kumar, India were in control almost from the opening whistle. Their raiders repeatedly breached the Korean defence, while the defenders ensured Korea struggled to build any sustained momentum. The win followed India's fantastic performance against Japan on Monday, a match which they won 49-24.
India's raiding unit produced 38 out points compared to Korea's 23, setting the tone for a one-sided contest. The advantage was already substantial by half-time, with India heading into the break 34-14 ahead.
The first half saw India collect 23 out points and seven bonus points, while two All-Outs further widened the gap. Korea, meanwhile, managed only 10 touch points before the interval as India's defence kept their raiders under pressure.
Korea showed some improvement after the restart but could not make a serious dent in India's advantage. The Indian team added another 29 points in the second half, including another All-Out, and finished with 17 bonus points overall.
Korea scored 17 points after the break but remained well short of mounting a comeback as India comfortably saw out the contest.
The victory keeps India unbeaten after two Group A matches, having already defeated hosts Japan. They will next face Bangladesh on September 23, with their sights firmly set on another deep run in the competition. After that, they will face Chinese Taipei in their final Group A fixture on Thursday.
India are chasing their ninth Asian Games kabaddi gold in the last 10 editions. India’s women’s team will take on Iran in their second Group A fixture on Wednesday, having opened their campaign with a win over Bangladesh on Monday.
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