With just one minute to go in the India vs Iran kabaddi final at the Asian Games, a major controversy broke out which suspended the competition for over an hour. In the last raid that took place prior to the controversy, India’s Pawan Sehrawat went on to raid against five. He went into the lobby without a touch, with all the Iranian players coming to dash him. But the Indian skipper was already out of bounds, and it was then, that all the Iranian players went out of the lobby.
What Pro Kabaddi League Rules Say
As per the old rule, after the raider is in the lobby, the defenders are also given marching orders, if they step into the lobby, if they have a touch on the former. This is what transpired in the last raid. There is a new rule too, which states, that as soon as the raider goes into the lobby, the raid is over, and even if the defending team’s players go out of the lobby, they won’t be penalised. This is what is followed in the Pro Kabaddi League.
But it was not clear, as to what rule was being followed at the Asian Games, which resulted in a lot of drama.
India vs Iran Kabaddi Final
At first, both teams were awarded one point each, but after a protest review, India was given four, with Iran one. Then after repeated reviews, it was decided that both teams would be given 1-1 each. What followed was truly disgraceful for the sport. Indian coach E Bhaskaran jumped into the picture soon and just did not budge. The Iranian assistant coach had a verbal spat with Pawan Sehrawat, which continued for some time.
It was then that the entire Indian men’s kabaddi contingent got involved in a spat with every official present at the venue. Despite repeated efforts of the officials to award both the countries one point each, the Indians did not agree. What followed was a long suspension in the match. After the Iranians were left disappointed, the Indians were given four points finally, and the former had to contend with one. India won the final 33-29 and added another gold to the kitty.
Unfortunate, Yet Preventable
While such events should not have taken place, none of the sides were at fault. It was only the match officials, who were caught napping, should have tackled the situation better. They let the players and the teams dictate terms, while the officials from the Asian Kabaddi Federation looked clueless.
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