BATHINDA, DEC 11 : Strong contenders and defending champions India entered men’s as well as women’s finals while their traiditional rivals Pakistan had mixed luck in the 4th Pearls World Cup Kabaddi (Circle Style) at the Multipurpose Stadium here today. Pakistan team, led by ebullient raider Babbar Gujjar, stormed into the men’s final after disposing of the challenge of United States of America by 51-33 in the semi-final played under lights. They will now challenge another Asian giants India for the glittering trophy. India, led by experienced Sukhbir Singh Saravan, India scored an authentic 62-32 victory in the semi-final.
The India-England semi-finals virtually turned out to be a one-sided affair, with Indian raiders and catchers outplayed their opponents in all departments of the game.
Indian raiders namely Sucha Singh, Sukhbir Singh Saravan, Navpreet Singh, Sultan and Mangat Singh Mangi proved too superior to their rival stoppers.
India lead 31-16 points at half points. Indian raiders Lovepreet Singh and Sultan earned 10 point each whereas their stopper Mangat Singh Mangi and Khushi bagged 5 and 4 points respectively.
England raider Parmjot Sangha and Gurdit Badesha bagged 11 and 9 points, respectively.
Indian captain was happy with his team’s performance. “We have all experienced players in our team. They are all playing like brothers. All are equally talented players and overall it is team work which helping India to give consistent display.”
Regarding England team, Sukhbir Singh Saravan said “they have a junior team. They were playing against experienced team.” Meeting Pakistan in the final, the Indian captain predicted good performance to retain the coveted trophy. “Our coach is every experienced and he will give us direction and plan strategy to counter the moves of the Pakistani players.
England captain Sandeep Singh admitted India team is ‘very strong.” Nirbhay Singh and Paramjot Singh could not give their best display against powerful India.
A well-balanced and title aspirants Pakistan, one of the Asian giants in circle kabaddi, stormed into the men’s final defeating United States of America by 51-33 points in the semi-final played under lights. Expressing happiness in entering final, Pakistan captain Babbar Gujjar said “with young players in their line-up, Pakistan is performing well and giving good account of themselves in every match.”
Replying to a question, Babbar, a prolific rainder, said “we will trying our best to win the World Cup. All in Pakistan and our supporters would pray for us. Of course we will give our best. We will like to play against India in the final.”
Pakistan were leading by 29-13 in semi-final.
Pakistan’s raiders Shafique Chishti, Akmal Shehzad Dogar and Babbar Gujjar scored 10, 9 and 7 points, respectively whereas stoppers Matbool Ali and Mohammad Wagar bagged 6 and 4 points, respectively. Raiders Inderdeep Singh got 9 points and whereas their stopper Manbeer Johan and Navpreet scored 4 and 3 points ,respectively.
In semi-final matches, Pakistan women making their maiden appearance in the WCK, fell at the semi-finals stage to India by 46-16. Though the Pakistan women lost they were not disgraced since they had fought a long battle to travel to India for the World Cup Kabaddi after overcoming stiff traditions in their country.
Indian raiders Sukhvinder Kaur and Priyanka got eight points each. Ram Bateri earned six points. Anu Rani (6), Khushboo (6) and Ritu (3) in exelled in catchers. For Pakistan, their captain Madhia Latif earned six points. Sumira and Sadia Abdul got one point each as raiders.
In the second semi-finals, New Zealand outplayed Denmark by 44-25 after leading 20-13 at half time. Aroha (7), Sarina Fizo (7), Elizabeth (6) were mainly responsible for their team’s win. For Denmark, Pederson (7) and Camila (9) served Denmark well.