India finish men’s kabaddi group stage unbeaten after Chinese Taipei win

Defending champions India finished top of Group A in men’s kabaddi with a 37-21 win over Chinese Taipei on Thursday and advanced to the semi-finals at the Asian Games.

India dominated the game right from the beginning and went into the break with a 23-11 lead. They maintained the same pace in the second half, which they won 14-10, PTI reported.

India’s win was its fourth straight in the group stage after earlier wins over South Korea, Japan and Bangladesh. The result also assured India at least a bronze medal.

Aslam Inamdar and Rahul Sethpal ensured that India got an early stranglehold with the latter’s defensive ankle holds repeatedly stifling Chinese Taipei’s raiders. India built a commanding lead and gained a number of all-outs.

Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab joined the Indian attack after the break, with the Indian defence continuing to deny Chinese Taipei’s chances on goal. India got 28 points from successful raids, three bonus points and six points from all-outs.

India face the winners of the other quarter-final in their semi-final on Friday as they attempt to defend their Asian Games men’s kabaddi title. Kabaddi has been part of the Asian Games since 1990 and the team has won eight golds in the event.