Asian Games 2018: India suffers shock defeat to Iran in Kabaddi semi-final; fails to bring gold first time in history

In a shocking result, seven-time champions India were left shell-shocked in a miraculous Iran win that kicked the Indian men’s Kabaddi team out of Asian Games 2018 semi-finals on Thursday.

The 18-27 defeat means it was for the first time since the sport was introduced at the multi-sport event that India won’t be participating in the finals. Iran who finished runners-up in the last two editions will now start as the firm favourites against Korea, another team to have defeated India this competition.

India along with neighbours Pakistan settled for the bronze following its worst ever show at the intercontinental event. Pakistan too was knocked out of the semis after losing to Korea.

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The defending champions dominated initially taking a 6-4 lead but failed to inflict an all-out on Iran, who staged a miraculous fight back and with super-tackles levelled terms at 8-8. The first half ended level on 9-9.

India’s chances in the first half took a hit after captain Ajay Thakur was dismissed for a cut on the forehead which he sustained following a heavy Iranian tackle. But they still managed to keep most of Iran’s players on the mat, who in return were kept in the game because of the brilliance of Fazel Atrachali and Abozar Mighani – both of whom played in the Pro Kabaddi League.

The pair proved to be unconquerable for the Indians and not just by their defensive display but also through their constant attacks they ensured Iran remained alive in the game.

Resuming from the break, Iran then surged three points ahead with extraordinary defensive skills. Then with 10 minutes remaining India still trailed 12-16, prompting the coach to bring on Rahul Chaudhary to salvage some points. He delivered the goods by tasking out Mighani, but Iran brought him back with a successful raid of their own.

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Rishank Devadiga was then dismissed gifting two more additional points to Iran, who increased the lead to five points at 19-14. They eventually won 27-18, of which 18 came in the second period helping them stage the biggest Kabaddi shock at the Asian Games.