Hangzhou: In a resounding victory, India dominated Pakistan with a scoreline of 61-14 in Kabaddi at the ongoing Asian Games 2023. After facing initial challenges, the Indian Kabaddi team demonstrated their supremacy and eagerly awaited their opponents, Iran or Chinese Taipei, in the gold medal match.
The triumph for India extended beyond Kabaddi as they claimed a historic bronze in sepaktakraw on Day 13 of the competition in Hangzhou. Although losing to Thailand in the semifinals, the women’s regu team secured the bronze medal. Additionally, India showcased their prowess in archery, with the women’s recurve team clinching bronze and the men’s team securing silver.
In badminton, HS Prannoy fought valiantly but ultimately settled for a bronze medal after losing to China’s Li Shifeng in the men’s singles semifinal. Meanwhile, India’s women’s kabaddi team recorded an emphatic 61-17 victory over Nepal in the semifinals, securing their spot in the final with the highest score they have achieved in the Games.
On the men’s side, the Indian kabaddi team also made a statement by overwhelming Pakistan to secure their place in the final. However, Bajrang Punia faced a setback, losing to Rahman Amouzadkhalili of Iran in the men’s 65kg semifinal, and will now compete for bronze.
In wrestling, Sonam, Kiran, and Aman will battle for bronze in their respective weight categories after falling short in their semifinal matches. Meanwhile, the men’s cricket team advanced to the final by defeating Bangladesh in their semifinal fixture.
Furthermore, Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, having secured a podium finish in men’s doubles, have a chance to upgrade their medals to silver with a victory in the semi-finals.