Pak gets two back to back victories in Kabbadi

MACAU—Pakistan notched up two back to back victories against Japan and Iran to remain in run for the semi final of the Macau Indoor Asian Games Kabaddi tournament here on Wednesday at Luso Chinese School Pavilion.
In the morning Pakistan got rid of Japan 41-20 and overpowered Asia’s emerging Kabaddi power, Iran 27-12 in evening session match to collect their third successive victory of the event after beating Malaysia in the opening tie on Tuesday.
Pakistan will be playing two matches in a day, tomorrow, Thursday, first playing Sri Lanka and then meeting Arch Rivals and Asian Champions, India in the evening. Their three wins have ensured them in a place in the semi final and the Kabaddi team is the only hope to get a medal in the Games in which snooker and Chess teams have already beaten.
Pakistan enjoyed supremacy against Japan by taking 26-4 point lead at half time and continued to flourish in the following session with constant raiding and power play.
Japanese team visibly lacked agility and prowess and Pakistan being an experienced opponent dominated the second half with aggressive moves.
The real test of Pak team was against super fit Iran. Pak led first half 17-5 making a way to a tough 27-12 victory. Iranian team threw a strong challenge with some brave moves and power packed attacking to grab Pakistani players in their area to narrow the lead on occasions.
From Pakistan captain Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Arshad, Nabeel, Nasir and Wajid contributed splendid efforts. Pakistan team got a set back when their key attacker Maqsood Ahmad was taken to hospital in the second half after receiving an injury on the face after his collision with an Iranian player. He received three stitches just above the right eye brow.
“Our team deserved praise for winning two matches in a row as it is never easy to compete in a day”, said team’s coach Zubair Ahmad while talking to APP. He said his team has now bright chances to qualify for the semi final and so far their performance has guaranteed a bronze medal.—Agencies