Kabaddi Masters set to raid the shores of Dubai

Dubai crowds will witness some electrifying kabaddi action as Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 is all set to kick off from the 22^nd of June. The tournament will see some of the biggest names from the world of kabaddi lock horns in a battle for ultimate kabaddi supremacy.

The clash between the two Asian giants India and Pakistan will be the headlining fixture on the opening day in what promises to be a riveting event. Exciting talent from countries such as Iran, Republic of Korea, Argentina and Kenya will add more flavour to the mix. The competition, with all matches to be held at the Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai, will be intense as only one team will earn the right to be crowned the Sultans of the sport.

TEAMS

Group A

Invincible India

Having aced every single kabaddi event that they have participated in, India go into the tournament as obvious favourites. They have a strong team to boast of as well, comprising the likes of Monu Goyat, Surender Nada, ‘Raid Machine’ Rahul Chaudhari and ‘Dubki King’ Pardeep Narwal among others. Seniors like Ajay Thakur and ‘One Man Army’ Manjeet Chhillar will also bring some much-needed experience to the table. All in all, India look the side to beat and it will take a Herculean effort to dethrone the champions in Dubai.

Pakistan to be the Challengers

The Pakistan kabaddi team has been making waves in international events, taking down strong opponents with ease and being the constant challengers to India’s title reign. They have a strong defence which can keep even the best of raiders down on its day and some initiative in attack might see them pose a strong challenge.

The Gladiators from Kenya

Kenya has been a country which has taken to kabaddi with a lot of enthusiasm in recent years. Being a sporting nation with some great athletes, kabaddi seemed to be just what the doctor ordered for the African nation. Their all-rounders David Mosambayi (Jaipur Pink Panthers) and Patrick Nzau (Haryana Steelers) will be seen rubbing shoulders with the best in the upcoming VIVO Pro Kabaddi and they will want to use this platform to show what they can do on the mat.

Group B

Unpredictable Argentina

Though Argentina will be an underdog going into Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018, they could well put on a strong performance. Franco Castro and Eugenio have already shown what magic they can create in earlier international events. The aura of mystery surrounding what they bring to the table could work in their favour and help them shock a few opponents. They play to win and an upset or two in the tournament will help them cement their place among the best in the world.

The Iranian Powerhouse

As one of the countries where kabaddi enjoys unprecedented popularity, Iran is definitely coming up as a powerhouse of kabaddi talent. Their defence is among the most feared in the world of kabaddi as the players seem to have found the perfect balance of brute force and cunning tact. Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 will give some of the younger Iranian players a look in and they will be eager to impress. U Mumba’s Hadi Tajik will be one of the stars to watch out for after his impressive display with U.P. Yoddha in Season 5.

The Innovative Republic of Korea

If there is a dark horse in the tournament, it has to be Republic of Korea. They have the second highest representation in VIVO Pro Kabaddi with their star player Jang Kun Lee being an integral part of the Bengal Warriors set up. Assisting the raider will be young Dong Geon Lee, who just came off a good season with Tamil Thalaivas. Cover defender Young Chang Ko also showed some impressive dashes and all-in-all the team looks like they will provide a strong challenge.

SCHEDULE

The tournament will be held in a round robin format with teams from each group playing each other twice during the group stages.

Two winners from each group will go through to the semi-finals with the grand finale on 30^th June 2018.

Date	Day	Match 1 (20:00 IST)	Match 2 (21:00 IST)
22 June	Friday	IND vs PAK	IRN vs KOR
23 June	Saturday	IRN vs ARG	IND vs KEN
24 June	Sunday	KOR vs ARG	PAK vs KEN
25 June	Monday	IRN vs KOR	IND vs PAK
26 June	Tuesday	IRN vs ARG	IND vs KEN
27 June	Wednesday	KOR vs ARG	PAK vs KEN
28 June	Thursday	REST DAY
29 June	Friday	Semi Final 1	Semi Final 2
30 June	Saturday	FINAL