South Asian Games 2019: Indian men's kabaddi team triumphs 49-16 over Sri Lanka in their first match

The pre-favourites Indian Kabaddi team thrashed Sri Lanka in a one-sided affair in their first match of the ongoing South Asian Games 2019. India won the outing by 33 points as the full-time score read 49-16 in the Day 2 opener held at APF Hallchowk, Kathmandu.

The corner duo of Amit Hooda and Vishal Bhardwaj started the match for India, along with Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bhainswal as the covers. Deepak Niwas Hooda led the team as the skipper with Pawan Sehrawat and Naveen Kumar in the star-studded offence for India.

The team started well with the attack from Pawan Sehrawat and Naveen Kumar that helped India establish a mammoth lead right at the start. Sri Lanka, who were confident following their surprising win over Pakistan, couldn't overcome the odds as the half-time score read 25-9.

India substituted Nitesh Kumar and Darshan Kadian in the second half to test their bench strength for the upcoming fixtures. Darshan Kadian fared well against the Sri Lankan defence with his quick running hand touches and clinched bonus points. The lead extended to 26 points as India played in the do or die raids in the final minutes.

Naveen Kumar made the charge in India's final raid as the whistle blew with India winning their opening bout of the event with ease. India is set to play their arch-rivals Pakistan tomorrow in the evening session of Day 3.