India defeat Bangladesh in kabaddi
Three-time gold medallists India kept themselves on course for thier title defence with a 37-14 victory against Bangladesh in the preliminary rounds of the men's kabaddi event at the Asian Games on Saturday.
India, who got the better of Malaysia in their opening encounter yesterday, led by a comfortable 24-7 margin at the break.
They clearly dominated in the second half as well to notch up a comprehensive win.
This was India's third victory. They routed Malaysia 32-9 in the first match and then spanked lowly Japan 39-3 in the second.
A goodly crowd, mostly students, watched Saturday's match, much to their amusement, at the Tonymyong University of Information Technology ground.
The sound of kabbadi, kabaddi, kabaddi -- when a player enters the rival circle while holding his breath -- created considerable excitement amongst the youngsters.
India were far superior to their rivals. They displayed better stamina and physical fitness and were quick and agile to raid and return.
In a match that lasted 60 minutes, the Indian attack was spearheaded by Ramehar Singh, K K Jagdeesha, Dinesh Kumar and B S Suresh.
The Bangladeshi players could not avoid the touch of the Indians but failed to hold on to them in their circle.
Bangladesh, who had beaten Pakistan 44-10, were expected to give good fight to India but that was not to be.
In fact every raid made by the Indians fetched the team a point.
The Indian defence was very tight and the rivals had no chance to get out of their strangle hold.
"The players are in good form, but we can not afford to be complacent," team coach E Prasad Rao said after the match.
"We have scored three wins. All were easy but if you lower your guard you are in for trouble," said Rao.
"We have two more matches to go and we will have to improve in every outing," he added.
The Bangladesh officials admitted that Indians are far better in this game.
"We are improving but it will take time to match the standard of the Indians," they said.
Earilier report:
Kabaddi team shines
