India drub Pakistan 35-23 to claim 5th successive Kabaddi Gold

Doha, Dec 6 (UNI) Displaying awesome firepower and agility, India thrashed arch-rival Pakistan 35-23 to win their fifth successive kabaddi Gold in the Asian Games here this evening.

The packed hall in the Aspire Stadium erupted as India asserted their dominance in this sports once again while extending their lease on the title for the 16th year in a row.

India first won the Gold in Beijing in 1990 when Kabaddi was introduced in the Asian Games and after that it has been a golden journey for this sports for India in the Asian Games.

Earlier, Bangladesh overpowered Iran 37-26 to claim the Bronze.

The final turned out to be an anti-climax as Pakistan flattered to deceive and the Indians playing to a plan. They were very sound in their attack and solid in their defence.

Having beaten Pakistan in the league match 31-20, the Indians were aware of their rival's weaknesses and skipper Dinesh Kumar, along with the exhuberant Rakesh Kumar and confident Pankaj Shirsat, played the main role in India's victory.

The winners led 21-14 at half time.

''We played to a plan and did not want to play to the galleries.

Our aim was to win the Gold, so we were cautious in our approach,'' coach Balwan Singh said after the match.

He was happy that his team has retained the Gold.

''We were confident of victory but we were not taking any chance,'' he added.

India started with a flourish and soon raced to a 10-4 lead. The Pakistanis tried to make a comeback in the game and took chances with the raiders only to concede a number of bonus points.

Though India won emphatically, they earned only four bonus points while Pakistan had 10.

It was just a treat to watch Rakesh, who once leapt over three Pakistani defenders to reach home, much to the amazement of the packed hall.

Sukhvir and Vikash Kumar were very strong in the defence and the Pakistanis dreaded them. Manpreet raided the rival teeritory with confidence and was backed by Naveen Kumar.

After taking a comfortable lead of 24-17, the Indians slowed down the pace of the game but still carried far too much firepower to crush Pakistan.

''We were confident of winning but we did not take Pakistan lightly. They are a very competitive side, so we had our plans ready for them and everything clicked,'' Dinesh said.

The skipper attributed the win to team effort and felt it was a proud moment for India in the Asian Games.

UNI HSB AY RAI2213