DOHA • It was a perfect yet predictable start for defending champions India and arch-rivals Pakistan in Kabaddi at the 15th Asian Games with two wins apiece on the opening day here yesterday.
The day ended in familiar fashion for both the sub-continental giants, hardly troubled by their inferior challengers, setting the tone for bigger tussles ahead over the next four days. India, hot favourites here to get their fourth gold, couldn’t have asked for more.
The champions, who appeared to have barely flexed their muscles despite looking a little drab early on, drubbed Bangladesh, the silver medalists at Busan, 40-21 in the morning and then rounded up the day with a comfortable 44-25 win against Japan.
Pakistan on the other hand, who along with India were cheered and egged on right through by a strong presence of enthusiasts, went about the task with equal comfort and composure. Pakistan had the better of a submissive Japan (34-16) in the opener and a gritty Iran (45-25) later to share the day’s honours.
The Indians were obviously delighted with their campaign getting off to a fine start and promised to be at their aggressive best as the competition intensifies. The all-navy-blue men, who received a boisterous welcome, were up against a spirited Bangladesh initially in their first tie. But it took too little for the world champions to regroup and nip the unlikely threat in clinical fashion.
After leading 24-14 at half time, India revealed its true class with a high-volt onslaught laced with lightning speed and athleticism. A seemingly tired Bangladesh were ‘bundled out’ in double quick time which earned India two ‘lonas’ in the process.
India captain Dinesh Kumar, vice-captain Rakesh Kumar and Gautham Navneet led the charge with an impressive show of skill and stamina, both in raiding and catching.
Rakesh Kumar, in particular, showed the rare glimpses of the traditional Indian style of play when he executed a breath-taking leap over the entire Bangladeshi defence after touching the bonus line and getting back home safely.
Rakesh Kumar was clearly the pick of the lot which was acknowledged by the Indian coaches Balwan Singh and J Uday Kumar.
Earlier, minnows Japan were no match to Pakistan’s sheer strength, aggression and agility and the final score line is only an understatement for their complete domination of the match.
The defence was impeccable which reflected in Japan’s half-time score of 6 as against Pakistan’s 23 which also had two lonas. Pakistanis remained unperturbed and continued their solid run despite a last gasp attempt by a desperate Japanese coach Keijun Itoh to infuse aggression.
Today, minnows Japan and Iran clash in the fifth Round Robin match, the first in the day, at 5 pm while Pakistan and Bangladesh will battle it out to gain the crucial edge in the competition.
