Kabaddi at the Asian Games 2022, Day 5: India advances to the Finals in both men's and women's categories

After four days of non-stop kabaddi action at the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China, the knockout matches were played on Friday in both the men’s and women’s events.

The Indian women’s team continued their unbeaten run against Nepal in their semi-final encounter, while the men's team beat arch-rivals Pakistan to set up a clash against Iran in the Final. 

Women’s Semi-finals

The experienced Indian team started off well with an early lead against Nepal. India inflicted an All-out with six minutes into the game and made Nepal work hard to earn points. They finished the first half with a 29 - 10 lead by inflicting another All-out.

The Indian team maintained their momentum and didn't give Nepal many opportunities to score points freely. They maintained their intensity to wipe out the opposition within the first five minutes of the second half. Meanwhile, Akshima earned a Super Raid on her Indian debut with a superb effort. India cleaned up Nepal twice in the dying minutes and registered a dominating 61-17 win to secure their spot in the Final.

In the second semi-final, the defending champions Iran were stunned by Chinese Taipei. Iran fought hard but the latter secured a 35 - 24 win to make it to the Final.

Men’s Semi-finals

In the first men’s semi-final, India made a sensational start to the contest against Pakistan. Naveen Kumar single-handedly led the team's offence and helped India inflict the first All-out in the 8th minute of the match. The Indian defenders did not allow the Pakistani players to settle on the mat and maintained a decent lead throughout the half. India held their ground and had a 30 - 5 lead at the break.

The story was no different in the second half, as the Indian players upped the ante. They went on to inflict a total of six All-outs in the game. Players like Aslam Inamdar and Pawan Sehrawat looked excellent in attack during the second half. India maintained a comfortable lead throughout the game and secured a 61 - 14 victory against Pakistan. With this win, India secured their place in the Asian Games men's kabaddi final.

The defending champions Iran beat Chinese Taipei by a 47 - 24 scoreline to book their slot in the final of the Asian Games 2022.

Match results for Day 5: 

Women

Semi-final 1: India beat Nepal 61 - 17

Semi-final 2: Chinese Taipei beat Iran 35 - 24

Men

Semi-final 1: India beat Pakistan 61 - 14

Semi-final 2: Iran beat Chinese Taipei 47 - 24