India defeated Iran in the final of the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 to win its eighth title in nine editions. In a stunning performance, India overcame Iran 42-32 at the Dong-Eui Institute of Technology Seokdang Cultural Center in Busan, Republic of Korea, on June 30.
India, the defending champions, allowed Iran a few easy bonus points, but caused a second all-out in the 19th minute. The Indian side quickly built on their lead with an impressive all-round display. Pawan Sehrawat led from the front with a super 10.
Earlier in the day, India had beaten Hong Kong 64-20 to end the league stage of the tournament undefeated.
India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong participated in this year’s Asian Kabaddi Championships. India won all the five matches in the league stage and topped the points table. Iran came second, only losing to India in the league stage, and made it to the final. India’s biggest win in the league stage – a 76-13 victory – came against Korea on the opening day of the tournament; the team’s narrowest victory of 33-28 came against Iran on June 29.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to congratulate the Indian team following their eighth Asian Kabaddi Championship title win.
