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On August 23, 2018, a historic upset shook the world of Indian Kabaddi at the Asian Games in Jakarta. India, a perennial gold medalist in the sport, suffered a shocking 18-27 loss to arch-rival Iran in the semifinal. The defeat left players and fans in disbelief. Captain Ajay Thakur bore a cut on his eyebrow from a tackle, symbolizing the team’s struggle. Despite teammates’ efforts to console him, he sat numbly as the minutes passed. But the team in 2018, was different when compared to the team named for the 2023 edition of the Asian Games.

This loss marked the end of India’s seven-consecutive gold medal streak, as Iran claimed the top spot. Now, as the Asian Games return, Indian Kabaddi hunger for revenge. The memory of that fateful day has influenced a new generation of players. The stage is set, and the desire for redemption drives the Indian team in their pursuit of glory.  The Indian Kabaddi team has been enjoying a remarkable run of success, with their latest triumph being the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023. In a thrilling final showdown held at the Dong-Eui Institute of Technology Seokdang Cultural Center in Busan, Republic of Korea, India secured their eighth title in nine editions by defeating their arch-rivals, Iran, with a commanding score of 42-32. 

Indian captain Pawan Sehrawat played a pivotal role in this victory, leading by example with a superb performance that included a Super 10. The initial minutes of the match saw India trailing against Iran, but a series of successful tackles and raids, particularly by Pawan Sehrawat and Aslam Inamdar, forced Iran into an all-out situation by the 10th minute. As the match progressed, India’s kabaddi team showcased their prowess, mounting an exceptional all-around performance. Iran managed to secure a few easy bonus points, but in the 19th minute, India dealt a devastating second all-out blow to Iran, further solidifying their dominance.

This triumph underscores India’s continued excellence in Kabaddi and adds to its impressive legacy in the sport. The team’s remarkable form and collective effort have once again demonstrated their superiority on the kabaddi court.