Asian Kabaddi Championships 2017: India defeat Pakistan 36-22 in final to clinch title

India were crowned the champions of Asia in kabaddi as they defeated Pakistan 36-22 in the final of the Asian Kabaddi Championships 2017 on Sunday. The competition, which is being held in Gorgan, Iran, saw India remain undefeated throughout the tournament as they romped to victory with ease.

The final was a one-sided affair throughout as Pakistan never came close to troubling the Indian players over the 40 minutes. Ajay Thakur and his men had the upper hand over the entire course of the match as they coasted along comfortably, picking points in attack and defence regularly.

India made one change to the side that started in the semifinal against South Korea as Mohit Chhillar was replaced by all-rounder Sandeep Narwal on the right corner. The rest of the defence consisted of Deepak Niwas Hooda and Surjeet manning the covers while Surender Nada was in his preferred left corner position.

In attack, it was skipper Ajay Thakur who was the primary raider for the side while Maninder Singh and Pardeep Narwal played the role of the secondary raiders.

India started in fine fashion and early in the first half, they completed the game's first all-out after Pardeep Narwal skittled out the two remaining Pakistani defenders in comfortable fashion. The second all-out followed soon after as the Pakistan side were reduced to just one man, who was then brought down by the Indian defenders when he came in to raid.

At half-time, India led 25-10 and built on it in the second period as Surender Nada produced two vintage ankle holds to stop the opposition raiders. The Pakistan side were down to two or three men on a number of occasions and did well to avoid the all-out as they conjured up two super tackles - one on Ajay Thakur and one on Pardeep Narwal.

However, it was too little too late as the Indian side took the win 36-22. It was a splendid display by the Indians over the last three days as they outclassed their opponents in each game and ensured there were no hiccups on their way to the Asian crown.