India's men and women reach Asian Games kabaddi finals unbeaten
India's men's and women's kabaddi teams advanced to the Asian Games finals in Aichi-Nagoya on Friday, both remaining unbeaten after semifinal wins.
At the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium the women's team defeated Nepal 48-24 to secure a place in the gold-medal match, with India's raiders producing 35 out points to Nepal's 18 and the defence forcing three All-Outs. Sanju Devi repeatedly found gaps in Nepal's defence and was central to India's attack. India led 31-17 at half-time after inflicting two All-Outs, while Nepal had 13 touch points and a Super Tackle in the opening half. In the second half India added another 17 points, including a third All-Out, as Nepal managed five touch points and two bonus points after the restart.
The men's side followed with a 66-28 semifinal victory over Thailand, starting aggressively as raiders consistently picked up bonus points and the defence applied pressure. Devank Dalal was prominent in the early phases and helped India inflict an early All-Out. The team converted pressure into a commanding first-half position to build momentum.
Thailand mounted a response when Supawit Somrat brought down Ayan Lohchab with a back hold and Theeradet Chaisit executed a three-point Super Raid, later producing an All-Out that briefly brought Thailand back into contention. India regained control through Devank Dalal and Arjun Deshwal, and secured another All-Out to take a 37-18 lead into the break. Chaisit remained Thailand's primary threat during that period.
After the restart Devank continued to score while Ayan Lohchab added points and another All-Out widened India's advantage; Aslam Inamdar contributed at both ends as India pulled away to a 38-point victory. India's 66 points included 43 outs, 15 bonus points and eight All-Out points, while Thailand finished with 20 outs, five bonus points, two All-Out points and one technical point.
The two results completed a perfect semifinal day for Indian kabaddi, with both teams advancing to the gold-medal match without losing a game and keeping their bids to retain the Asian Games titles they won at Hangzhou alive. Both sides will now await the winners of the remaining semifinals to learn their opponents in the finals.
The men's team will face the winner of Chinese Taipei and Iran in Saturday's final at 2:30 pm, while the women's team will take on the winner of the corresponding semifinal on Saturday as they pursue another Asian Games gold.