India wins Third Asian Women Kabbadi Championship

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Sep 21 (UNI) Defending champion India won the Third Asian Women Kabbadi Championship defeating Iran eves 43-22 in the finals played at Race Course Ground under flood light, here last night.

Leading 24-12 at half time, the Indian team brushed aside a spirited challenge by Iran to win the coveted title for the third time in a row. Indian eves, led by skipper S Kavitha, the Asian Gold Medalist, executed well planned raids into the powerful Iran's court chanting ''kabbadi-kabbadi.'' The hosts (India) scored eight bonus points in the first half and three points in the second half.

After winning all their matches against nine Asian countries, the Indian team excelled in the finals because of some fine efforts by Pooja Thakur, Tejaswini Bai and Mamatha.

Results: Final: India beat Iran 43-22 (half time 24-12).

With the win, Indian team won the gold medal, winners' trophy, besides a cash award of Rs one lakh, while the Iran eves taken away the runners up trophy, silver medal and cash award of Rs 75,000.

Besides this, the Indian players were presented an insurance cover of Rs five lakh each, sponsored by P M Mannar, Organising President, Third Asian Women Kabbadi Championship, and Solai M Raja (Organising Secretary).

Thailand and Japan teams won the bronze medal and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.

UNI GSM NC AS1156