India failed to win the coveted gold in women’s kabaddi after going down 24-27 in the finals at the ongoing edition of the Asian Games 2018 on Friday. The two-time defending champions had to settle for silver, its first at the Asian Games.
The team had entered the finals with a dominating 27-14 win over Chinese Taipei in their last-four clash. India had topped Group A to qualify for the semifinals. The women’s team defeated Sri Lanka 38-12 before trouncing Indonesia 54- 22 in their final group match. The Indians had beaten Japan 43-12 and Thailand 33-23 in their earlier group matches.
The Indian women’s team had won the gold medal in the last two editions of the Asian Games in 2014 (Incheon) and 2010 (Guangzhou), the year in which the sport was introduced at the Games. India had won the World Cup thrice in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Yesterday in men’s kabaddi, India had suffered a shocking defeat against Iran and had to settle for bronze. Seven-time champions India were downed 18-27 by ever-improving Iran in the semifinals and it will be the first time that they will not be part of the Asiad final since the sport’s introduction in 1990.
With the medal win, India’s medal count has gone up to 24. So far, the Indian contingent has won 6 gold, f silver, and 13 bronze medals and is currently placed at seventh spot in the medals tally.
