Asian Kabaddi Championships 2017: India defeat South Korea 45-29 to enter final

The Indian men's team sealed their spot in the final of the Asian Kabaddi Championships 2017 after recording a dominant win over South Korea in the semifinal on Sunday. The match ended 45-29 in favour of the Indians as they never looked in trouble against the Koreans, who were expected to put up more of a fight.

When the sides had met earlier in the 2016 World Cup opener, it was Korea who recorded a surprise win over the home side in what was a thrilling encounter. However, this time around, the Indian side ensured there were no lapses and produced a fine display to outplay the Koreans.

India made one change to the starting lineup that played in the match against Pakistan on Saturday, with Mohit Chhillar playing on the right corner instead of Sandeep Narwal. Ajay Thakur, Maninder Singh and Pardeep Narwal were the starting raiders for the Indians.

Surender Nada played in his favourite left corner position while Surjeet and Deepak Niwas Hooda played in the covers.

The match started on a tight note, with both sides playing cautiously and waiting on the third raid. India had a slender 5-4 lead initially but the game opened up after a brilliant super raid by Maninder Singh and Ajay Thakur stepped in to skittle out the remainder of the defenders to complete the all-out.

India continued their charge, opening up a 20-10 lead, with Pardeep Narwal stepping into the fray and ended the half with a 21-14 advantage.

In the second half, the Indian made a flying start and were strong in both attack and defence. They inflicted two more all outs by the end of the game and finished the match at 45-29 to seal their berth in the final.

India will now face either Pakistan or Iran in the final, who will contest the other semifinal.