Asian Games 2023: India won gold in men’s kabaddi for the eighth time in the continental event, overcoming a disputed conclusion in the final minute of a thriller versus Iran.
On the final day of medal events for India at the Asian Games, the men’s kabaddi team overcame Iran 33-29 to earn the Gold medal. Even as India’s medal total at the Hangzhou Games surpassed 100, the men’s kabaddi team joined the ladies to complete a superb double for the country in the local sport.
India won their seventh gold medal in eight kabaddi tournaments at the Asian Games, reestablishing their dominance at the continental level following a stumbling performance in Jakarta, where they were forced to settle for a bronze medal.
Earlier on Saturday, India’s women’s kabaddi team overcame Taiwan in a thrilling final. The men’s final between powerhouses India and Iran was expected to be a gripping battle, and it delivered with a touch of drama at the end.
India defeated Iran 33-29, however there was a 45-minute delay when Iran objected to the referee’s decision to award India three points with less than a minute remaining. Iran’s players protested on the court as their coaches led a dispute with the referees about the points awarded to India following a raid by India’s Pawan.
Highlights of India’s men’s kabaddi
- India won the gold medal with a 33-29 victory in a thrilling final that was delayed by 45 minutes due to refereeing confusion.
- India led 17-13 at halftime, but Iran made a strong comeback in the second half and reduced the deficit to one point at one stage.
- India’s star raider Pawan Sehrawat was in fine form, scoring 11 points in the match.
- Iran protested a decision by the referee in the final minute of the match, but their protest was overruled.
- India’s victory was their 8th gold medal in men’s kabaddi at the Asian Games, and their first since 2014.
Controversial decision:
In the final minute of the match, with India leading by two points, Pawan Sehrawat went on a raid. He was tackled by an Iranian defender, but the referee awarded a point to India, saying that Sehrawat had touched the midline before being tackled.
Iran protested the decision, but the referee upheld his decision. The Iranian team then walked off the court in protest, but they eventually returned and the match continued.
India’s victory:
Despite the controversy, India held on to win the match and clinch the gold medal. The victory was a fitting end to a successful campaign for India at the Asian Games, where they finished third in the overall medal tally.
Celebration:
The Indian team celebrated their victory wildly on the court. They were lifted on the shoulders of their fans and showered with confetti. The victory was a special one for India, as it came after a four-year wait.
The Indian kabaddi team’s victory was a proud moment for the country and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches.
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