Asian Games 2018, Men's Kabaddi: India vs Korea - 5 Talking Points

#5 Girish Ernak brought India close, but Korea hold their nerve

Despite Girish Maruti

Ernak's

efforts, India fell short in the end.

India trailed 20-23 going into the final minute and Dong Gyeon Lee came in to raid for Korea. India had just three men on the mat, but all very good defenders in Mohit Chhillar, Sandeep Narwal and Deepak Niwas Hooda.

It wasn't a Do-or-Die raid, but the Indian trio took advantage of a slight lapse from Lee to snap him up, and with it being a Super Raid, it reduced the deficit to just one point. It was a crucial tackle right at the death as just earlier Pardeep Narwal and Monu Goyat had been caught by the Korean defence.

The tackle revived Ajay Thakur and the captain went in for the final raid of the match with a point to tie the game and anything more for the win. As Ajay attacked the Korean defence held firm and as the seconds ticked down Ajay made one final dash towards the right corner and drew the attention of the left corner defender.

Ajay tried to get a touch and dive back across the mid-line. But he had entered the lobby without getting a touch, so too the Korean defender and a point each was given to the two sides.

Korea 24-23 India.

A tense, tense finish!