The Indian men’s Kabaddi team began their Asian Games campaign with an emphatic 55-18 win over Bangladesh. The seven-time champions are aiming to regain the gold medal. In their opening in a group fixture at the Asian Games, Bangladesh were no match on Tuesday.
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Naveen Kumar Goyat and Arjun Deshwal spearheaded India’s raids in style. They dominated the proceedings and went on to inflict the first all-out in the 12th minute.
Bangladesh’s defence stood up as they managed to inflict two supertackles in the first half on Pawan Sehrawat and then on Monu Goyat. However that proved insufficient as India entered the half-time with a lead of 24-9.
Bangladesh faltered in their raids as the Indians extended their lead in the second-half and sealed the issue. The women’s kabaddi team, who were the last edition’s silver medallist, endured a disappointing start after being held to an unexpected 34-34 draw by Chinese Taipei on Monday.
In the men’s event India find themselves clubbed with Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Japan in Group A. Iran, Korea, Pakistan and Malaysia form Group B.