Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023: The Indian men’s Kabaddi team triumphed in the 11th Asian Kabaddi Championship held in Busan, South Korea. Their unwavering pursuit of victory reached its pinnacle in an exhilarating final showdown against Iran, resulting in a remarkable 42-32 win for India. Let’s explore the incredible journey of the Indian team and the pivotal elements that led to their well-deserved success.
Team India deserves hearty congratulations for emerging as the champion in the Asian Kabaddi Championship for the eighth time.
Group Stage Dominance:
The Indian team stamped their authority early on in the championship by remaining unbeaten throughout the group-stage matches. Their cohesive gameplay, strategic brilliance, and individual brilliance propelled them to the top of the group standings, securing their well-deserved spot in the final. The Indian squad’s unwavering focus and unyielding determination were instrumental in setting the stage for a grand finale.๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐
— ProKabaddi (@ProKabaddi) June 30, 2023
Congratulations to our #ProKabaddi ๐๐ on winning the 11th Asian Kabaddi Championship ๐ฎ๐ณ๐#AKC2023 #Kabaddi #TeamIndia #IndianKabaddi #IndianKabaddiTeam pic.twitter.com/OHTGUB7fM7
Pawan Sehrawat: A True Hero’s Comeback:
The Indian team’s captain, Pawan Sehrawat, emerged as a pivotal figure in their victorious campaign. Sehrawat’s journey to the championship was one fraught with challenges and setbacks. As the most expensive player in Pro Kabaddi history, he was acquired by the Tamil Thalaivas for a staggering sum of Rs 2.26 crore. However, his stint with the Thalaivas was cut short due to a severe knee injury that necessitated surgery. The Asian Kabaddi Championship marked Sehrawat’s highly anticipated return to the kabaddi arena after a grueling recovery process. Determined to make an impact, Sehrawat showcased his unparalleled skills as a raider, contributing a crucial 13 points in the final match against Iran. His extraordinary performance not only uplifted the team but also served as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a true champion.Aslam Inamdar’s Valuable Contribution:
Another standout performer for the Indian team was Aslam Inamdar, whose exemplary raiding skills played a significant role in their path to victory. Inamdar’s ability to maneuver through the opposition’s defense and secure valuable raid points bolstered India’s position throughout the tournament. In the final match against Iran, Inamdar’s contribution of eight raid points proved vital in tilting the scales in India’s favor.Iran’s Resilience and New Leadership:
Facing the Indian team in the final was a new-look Iranian squad led by Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, the captain of the Patna Pirates in the Pro Kabaddi league. Iran showcased unwavering resilience and determination, challenging India’s dominance on the kabaddi mat. Chiyaneh, assuming dual responsibilities as captain and raider, inspired his team with his indomitable spirit and strategic acumen. Despite falling short in the final, Iran’s performance showcased its immense potential and the growing competitiveness of kabaddi on the Asian stage.The Experience Factor:
One cannot discount the crucial role played by the Indian team’s experience in the Pro Kabaddi league. Each member of the Indian squad had important roles within their respective teams in the Pro Kabaddi League, which provided them with invaluable exposure and honed their skills. The players’ familiarity with high-pressure situations and their ability to execute strategies effectively were evident throughout the championship, enabling them to outshine their opponents.India’s Domination in Asian Kabaddi Championship: A Recap of Victories
1. 1980 – Calcutta, India: India emerged as the inaugural champions, defeating Bangladesh in the final. 2. 1988 – Jaipur, India: India continued their winning streak, claiming their second consecutive title by defeating Bangladesh in the final. 3. 2001 – Bangkok, Thailand: India completed a hat-trick of championships, showcasing their kabaddi prowess. 4. 2002 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: India maintained their dominance, securing a fourth title by defeating Japan in the final. 5. 2003 – Kangar, Malaysia: Iran ended India’s winning streak, clinching the championship title. India failed to reach the podium. 6. 2005 – Tehran, Iran: India made a strong comeback, securing their fifth Asian title by defeating Pakistan in the final. 7. 2017 – Gorgan, Iran: After a 12-year gap, India emerged victorious once again, defeating Pakistan in the final and claiming their seventh championship title. 8. 2023 – The 11th tournament was held in the Republic of Korea and won by India which secured its 8th medal.The Asian Kabaddi Championship: A Historic Tournament Since 1980
| Year | Host | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | India Kolkata, India | India | Bangladesh | Nepal |
| 1988 | India Jaipur, India | India | Bangladesh | |
| 2000 | Sri Lanka Colombo, Sri Lanka | India | Sri Lanka | Pakistan |
| 2001 | Thailand Bangkok, Thailand | India | ||
| 2002 | Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | India | Japan | Iran |
| 2003 | Malaysia Kangar, Malaysia | Iran | Malaysia | Sri Lanka |
| 2005 | Iran Tehran, Iran | India | Pakistan | Iran |
| 2017 | Iran Gorgan, Iran | India | Pakistan | Iran South Korea |
| 2023 | South Korea Busan, South Korea | India | Iran | Chinese Taipei |
