India's kabaddi team drubs Pakistan to lift title
PTI | Sep 27, 2011, 02.53PM IST

CHANDIGARH: The Indian Kabaddi team on Tuesday lifted its first ever Circle Style Championship title by defeating archrivals Pakistan 53-38 at Tabriz in Iran.

India and Pakistan were almost on even terms at the half- time score of 24-22, but in the second half India dominated proceedings, opening up a huge 15-points difference.

It is for the first time that the championship is being played outside India in which eight nations participated.

Punjab's Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, the man behind popularising the traditional game at international level, said that the Asia Cup was a trailor of the second World Cup, to be held in the state from November 1.

Sukhbir, who went to Iran especially for this tournament, announced a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh for the Indian team.

Sandeep Singh emerged as best raider and Hardavinderjit Singh also mesmerised the audience with his performance. Ekam Singh Dhaliwal emerged as best 'Zaaphi' (stopper).

In a glittering ceremony, Sukhbir gave away the gold medals to the Indian Team. Pakistan bagged silver while Iran and Nepal bagged bronze.

India had earlier crushed Afghanistan 69-20, Sri Lanka 72-32 on the first day, Iran 67-26 on the second and Nepal 61-42 in the semifinal.