India beat Pakistan in semifinal of Junior World Kabaddi Championship 2023

The Men in Blue will face Iran in the finals on Saturday.

India is set to meet reigning champion Iran in the final of the 2nd edition of the Men’s World Junior Kabaddi Championship. Star raider Narender Kandola started the proceedings on a bright note scoring a super raid (three points). Narender scored two touchpoints along with a bonus to give India a crucial lead.

The defence leaked a few points in the starting few minutes but captain Ankush Rathee put in an advance back hold to put up a strong show. Secondary raider and vice-captain Manjeet chipped in with valuable touchpoints to keep the lead intact in the first half.

Pakistan lost a review in the initial part of the game and India made use of the opportunity by inflicting the first all-out strengthening the lead from (12-9 to 19-12). The Blues end the first half on a great note taking a 14-point lead (28-14).

There was no looking back for the Indians in the second half scoring 20 points in quick succession (54-15). Pakistan could score only one point after the first five minutes of the second half. India eventually beat Pakistan by a humongous margin of 46 points (75-29). Iran defeated Nepal comfortably in the first semifinals (60-27). Nepal is the only side to be coached by a female coach. 

Semi-final Results

Iran 60-37 Nepal

India 75-29 Pakistan

Final

India vs Iran (08:00 PM)