Asian Games 2023 semifinal highlights: India cruises past Pakistan to enter men's kabaddi finals

Pakistan's team couldn't stand a chance at all in front of Team India.

The Indian Kabaddi team has secured a place in the finals of the Asian Games 2023. In the semi-final match, Team India faced Pakistan, whom they defeated easily with a score of 61-14. In this match, the Indian team inflicted six all-out on Pakistan and achieved their highest score. Naveen Kumar delivered a fantastic performance in this match, scoring an excellent Super 10. Additionally, Aslam Inamdar was included in the starting seven for this match. Surjit Singh also got an opportunity, while Sunil Kumar did not play.

After an initial lead by Pakistan, Naveen Kumar made a comeback

Pakistan had a strong start, with them tackling Pawan Sehrawat in the first raid. This earned Pakistan their first point. Aslam Inamdar was also tackled in the red zone. Pakistan managed to secure a point in the raid as well, taking a 4-0 lead. Naveen Kumar scored the first point for India in the third minute of the match.

🔥🇮🇳 India's Men's Kabaddi Team roars to victory in the Asian Games 2023 semifinal, humbling Pakistan 🇵🇰 on their path to the final! 🏆💪 #AsianGames #KabaddiGlory #Kabaddi #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/0sUhwYgRWD

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) October 6, 2023

India inflicted six all-outs on Pakistan

The Indian team was close to an all-out at one point, but Naveen Kumar continuously scored four points to level the score. After that, he secured a Super Raid, giving India a lead. In the next raid, Naveen scored two more points and all-out Pakistan. Captain Pawan Sehrawat also found his form gradually and secured a Super Raid. Pakistan's team was all-out within 11 minutes, and Naveen Kumar completed his Super 10. In the first half, India all-out Pakistan three times and took a 30-5 lead. Pakistan had scored five points in the initial 5 minutes but couldn't secure a single point afterward.

Vishal Bhardwaj displayed a strong defense

In the second half, Naveen Kumar was substituted with Sachin Tanwar. He secured a touch point in his very first raid but was tackled in the next two. However, Pakistan's team was all out again in the 26th minute. India then substituted Pawan Sehrawat with Akash Shinde, who performed well on the mat. Pakistan's team couldn't pose much of a challenge to India even in the second half. Naveen Kumar scored the most points for India with 12 in the raiding department. Meanwhile, in defense, Vishal Bhardwaj achieved a high-five, and Surjit Singh secured four points.