Kabaddi has been a sport of pride for the country. The champs for 28 years in Asian Games, Indian men put up a disappointing display against Iran that ended its golden run. In the last edition of Asian Games, in 2014, the gold medal was captured with a slender margin of just a two-point win over Iran. Many said then that that was a match India should have lost. Four years later, it has happened.
The defeat has shocked sports-lovers across the country. We had big names who showed individual brilliance in Pro Kabaddi League. But when they had come together to perform as a team, they failed miserably. The champs since 1990 had to bow out with a sad face. The defeat to Iran and Korea has ended Indian dominance of the sport. The Indian squad lacked balance between experienced and young blood. Except veteran Ajay Thakur, none of the others in the team had been to an Asian Games before. Hence, they were overtaken by pressure of performing in the sportās biggest event.
The road forward is difficult. But not impossible. They have to get back to the drawing room. Analyse and correct their mistakes. They should work hard to get their basics right. May be a success in a few tournaments before the next Asian Games will help them get their confidence back. When they can hold on to the supremacy for almost 28 years, why can they not rediscover their lost touch soon?