Asian Games 2023: Golden double for India’s men, women kabaddi teams

The victorious India men’s. Pics/PTI

The exciting men's kabaddi final between India and defending champions Iran turned into an embarrassment, thanks to a bunch of indecisive and inefficient officials.
With the match tantalisingly poised at 28-all and just one minute left for the final whistle, India skipper Pawan Sehrawat executed a raid, claiming four points. The problem, however, was that the officials weren't sure which team to award the points to, even after reviewing videos of the incident numerous times.

After an hour of protest, India were awarded three points and Iran one. On resumption, Iran's Alireza Mizaeian was tackled after which India's Naveen Kumar picked up another point with a raid to ensure a 33-29 victory.

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Women's kabaddi teams. Pics/PTI

Iran were disgruntled. "This is very bad in the final of an Asian Games. In around 14 years that I've been playing for the national team, this is the first time I've seen something like this. We should have better referees for finals. All the time they were changing their decision," said Iran's Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh.
"They should have given one decision and stuck by it. I would have accepted it even if it was against me. But they were changing their decision every time. This is unacceptable," said Sehrawat.

India coach Edachary Bhaskaran felt there was some politics involved. "The Iranian Kabaddi Federation president [Abbas Khajeh Svarseji], who is also the Asian Kabaddi Federation president, and the Secretary General of Pakistan Kabaddi Federation [Muhammad Sarwar Rana] were putting pressure on the officials. They were trying to manipulate things," said Bhaskaran. Earlier, the Indian women's team also had to play out their skins to beat Chinese Taipei 26-25, ensuring a golden double for kabaddi.