Date: October 7, saturday
In a nail-biting showdown, the Indian women’s kabaddi team clinched a gold medal, marking India’s 100th medal milestone at the 19th Asian Games. The team displayed unmatched determination as they narrowly defeated Chinese Taipei with a score of 26-25 in a thrilling final in the Hangzhou Asian Games.
This victory marked India’s third gold in women’s kabaddi, a sport introduced in the 2010 Asian Games. India had previously secured gold in the 2010 and 2014 editions but settled for silver in 2018 after a defeat to Iran in the final.
Facing Chinese Taipei, an emerging force in kabaddi, the final promised an intense showdown. India held a slim lead of 14-9 at halftime, thanks to a brilliant super raid by Pooja, who emerged as one of the stars of this fiercely contested match. The final also witnessed the team’s coach receiving a green card caution.
The second half delivered a nerve-wracking display of exceptional skill from both sides, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Chinese Taipei narrowed India’s lead to 16-14 shortly after the resumption. With less than five minutes left, Chinese Taipei successfully appealed for a video referral, and the score stood at 19-17 in India’s favor.
Chinese Taipei then mounted a comeback, securing four crucial points, taking them ahead at 21-19. However, Pooja’s impressive raid narrowed the gap to 20-21. The match remained neck-and-neck with scores at 22-22, 23-23, and 24-24.
In a decisive moment, Pushpa secured a point for India, leaving only 53 seconds on the clock. Chinese Taipei challenged the decision through a review, but it was upheld, sealing India’s victory. Chinese Taipei managed to score one more point with their final raid, resulting in a final score of 25-26.
Captain Ritu Negi’s strategic decision to send Pooja for the crucial raid played a pivotal role in India’s win. The match concluded with jubilant celebrations as the Indian players embraced each other.
Captain Ritu Negi expressed, “We worked really hard after losing the gold in the 2018 Asian Games. We waited for five years, but our hard work paid off.” She had also been a part of the silver-winning team at the 2018 Asian Games.
Coach Edachery Bhaskaran acknowledged Chinese Taipei’s strength and emphasized the need for India to continuously improve to maintain their dominance in the sport.
This hard-fought victory not only secured India’s 100th medal at the Asian Games but also showcased the determination and resilience of the Indian women’s kabaddi team on the international stage.
Statistical Highlights:
- Final Score: India 26, Chinese Taipei 25
- India’s Gold Medals in Women’s Kabaddi: 3 (2010, 2014, 2022)
- Coach’s Perspective: Coach Edachery Bhaskaran emphasized the need for India to work harder to maintain their position in the sport.
- Captain’s Insight: Captain Ritu Negi shared the team’s dedication and the rewarding outcome of their five-year effort.
The Indian women’s kabaddi team’s triumphant performance adds another chapter to India’s rich sporting legacy, marking a historic moment in the nation’s sporting history.
