World Cup Kabaddi: India swamp Denmark to set up semifinal date with Iran

FILE PHOTO: India continue their unbeaten run in 3rd Kabaddi World Cup

The Indian men’s kabaddi team maintained a clean slate in the 3rd World Cup Kabaddi (circle style) Championship, routing Denmark 73-28 in their concluding league tie at Mansa on Tuesday.

The Indians were quick off the blocks, racing to a 30-11 lead after the Danes appeared to match the hosts raid for raid in the initial stages.

Egged on by a vociferous home crowd, the men in blue raided the Danish territory with aplomb, exhibiting smart dodges and logged points on a consistent basis. They defied the Danish raids with nifty holds and denied them the opportunity to seriously challenge the Indians.

India closed out the match at 73-28 to chalk up their third straight win and in the process, maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament.

India now play Iran in the semifinal at Bathinda on Wednesday. Iran had topped Pool D.

In the other semifinal, Pakistan, the toppers of Pool C rub shoulders with Pool B toppers Canada at Bathinda on Wednesday.

Earlier, India had romped past England 57-28 in their first match before brushing aside Afghanistan 73–24 in their second league tie.

In the women’s section, hosts India and England are already through to the semifinals and their opponents in the last four stage would be known later in the day.

Both the women’s semifinals would be held at Jalandhar on Thursday.