Why Did India Fail to Get a Gold Medal in Kabaddi at Asian Games 2018

In a major upset, India's Kabaddi team fell short of winning the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, losing to Iran 18-27 in Jakarta. This defeat marks the first time India has failed to bring home the gold since 1990. The loss has raised many questions, with former team skipper Anup Kumar warning that the impact could be far-reaching.

Lack of Coordination and Strong Defense

The Indian team, comprised of top Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) stars like Pardeep Narwal, Rahul Chaudhari, and Deepak Niwas Hooda, struggled to match Iran's strong defense, led by captains Fazel Atrachali and Abozar Mighani. With the absence of Surender Nada, a key member of the world's best defensive duo, India found it difficult to counter Iran's robust defense.

Leader of the former Haryana Steelers, Surender Nada, and his right corner partner Mohit Chillar had a reputation as the world's most lethal left-right combo. However, in their absence, Girish Ernak played the left corner. Despite some strong performances, Ernak faced issues with communication with Mohit Chillar, leading to errors and loose tackles.

Impact of Team Selection and Coaching

The teams lacked a strong defense and coordination, particularly when crucial players like Manjeet Chillar and Surjeet Singh were left out. Although Sandeep Narwal and Deepak Niwas Hooda were included, their roles lacked the combination of raiding and defending skills offered by the previously named players.

The appointment of Ram Mehar Singh as the new coach marked a shift from the experienced Balwan Singh. The coach and captain's relationship was not as harmonious as it was with Balwan Singh, and the team selection showed this. Despite the selection of Pardeep Narwal, who had a poor international record, Ram Mehar Singh's lack of communication with Ajay Thakur, the team's captain, was evident.

Ajay Thakur's Absence and Leadership Gaps

Ajay Thakur, often praised for his leadership and raiding skills, was forced to leave the mat early due to a head injury at halftime. This loss of a critical leader led to a decline in the team's performance and strategy. Earlier in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup final, Thakur's presence was crucial in their comeback and victory. Without him, the team faced significant challenges.

Former skipper Anup Kumar highlighted the significance of Thakur's presence and leadership, stating, 'The loss comes as a wake-up call for the Indian selectors that while Pro Kabaddi stars add an extra dimension to the team, the importance of players like Manjeet Chillar, who has been there for as long as one could remember, cannot be undermined.'

The team needs to learn from the loss and understand the integral role of experienced players. Pro Kabaddi has helped nations like Korea and Iran to grow, but for India, it is crucial to maintain a balance between these new talents and the veterans who have a wealth of experience.

India will still enter the 2020 Kabaddi World Cup as favorites, and such losses can help the team avoid repeating the mistakes shown in the Asian Games 2018.