India rout Japan to record their second successive kabaddi win

Doha, Dec 2 (UNI) Reigning champion India consolidated their position as the favourite to claim their fifth straight kabaddi Gold by chalking out comprehensive victories over Japan and Bangladesh in the 15th Asian Games here today.

India routing Japan 44-25 and prior to that, the defending champions drubbed Bangladesh 40-21.

India led 29-11 at the end of a fast paced first half against Japan and the winners dominated the rival side in the second session to complete an easy win.

The stands were full of Indian supporters, who had come in anticipation of their team's second win of the day and they were not disappointed.

The Indians took some time to settle down and slowly but surely took over the proceedings and suddenly raced to a big lead.

Meanwhile, vice captain Rakesh Kumar had another outstanding game today. He played superbly in the first match against Bangladesh and in this match also, he displayed his impressive speed and athleticism. On his third raid, he showed why the Indians are considered masters at the sport. After making it past the bonus line, he virtually leapt over the rival defenders to get back home safely without being caught out.

However, the Indians failed to get the Japanese all out even once in the entire session of the match.

Navneet Gautam and skipper Dinesh Kumar were the other players who played pivotal roles in India's convincing win.

Earlier, India opened the campaign with a thumping win over Bangladesh.

The winners, who led 24-14 at half time, should have won by much bigger margin but their over-confident and complacent defence gave away many a point to their rivals in a match which otherwise was an one-sided affair.

The Indians raced to a 7-1 lead in no time as the match started but then the defenders let go some easy points as the Bangladeshi raiders were allowed to slip out.

But after that, the winners launched furious raids and exposed the rival defence. The Bangladesh attack also lacked punch though they managed some points due to the lose Indian defence which gave away many a touch point.

The Indians attack was spearheaded by skipper Dinesh Kumar and he was well supported by Pankaj Shirsat, Ramesh Kumar and Manpreet Singh.

The Indians managed to get the Bangldesh side all out twice in each half while their rivals failed to do so even once.

After the match, coach Balwan Singh said, ''It was good to start the campaign on winning note. We were confident of victory but our players became a bit complacent and the defence conceded some points.'' Earlier in the first match of the competition, title contender Pakistan outplayed Japan 34-16.

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