HANGZHOU — The challenge of the national men’s kabbadi squad at the Asian Games ended today after the team lost 35-58 to Pakistan in the final Group B action at the Xiaoshan Guali Sports Centre.
Going onto the court with a must-win mission, the Malaysians missed out on a slot in the semi-finals after finishing the group in third position with two points, as only the top two teams advance.
The national team, which started the competition with a narrow 40-38 victory over 2018 Jakarta-Palembang silver medallists South Korea on Monday, were then beaten 53-23 by defending champions Iran.
Iran, who took first place with six points, will meet the runners-up of Group A in the semi-finals, while Pakistan (4 points) play against the group champions.
India is the most successful kabbadi team having won gold seven times in a row since the sport was introduced in the 1990 edition in Beijing, but had to settle for bronze in the last edition after being upset by Iran in the semi-finals. — October 4, 2023