Kabaddi Masters Dubai | We will put up a do or die show against Pakistan, says Ajay Thakur
Indian Kabaddi player Ajay Thakur revealed that the Indian team would give their all on the mat against Pakistan in the tournament opener at the six-nation ‘Kabaddi Masters Dubai’. Thakur added that the tournament will serve as important preparation for next month’s Asian Games in Indonesia.
The last time the Indian Kabaddi team went up against the Pakistan team, the lads in blue emerged victorious in the final of Asian Championship Iran in 2017 by a scoreline of 36-22. The men in green will look to exact revenge for that defeat in the upcoming ‘Kabaddi Masters’ tournament in Dubai when they go up against Ajay Thakur & Co. in the tournament opener on June 22. But Indian skipper Thakur revealed that his squad is more than fired up for the game against their neighbors.
“We all are very excited to take on Pakistan after a long time. The feeling is always different when you face Pakistan. We will put up a do-or-die show,” Thakur told PTI in an interview from Dubai.
The 32-year old specialist raider added that the team would definitely be under immense pressure but backed the boys to come through when required.
“There’s a bit of pressure obviously when you take on Pakistan in the first match. Pressure will be on both sides. There’s an outpouring of responses from several quarters after we are drawn against Pakistan in the ‘Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018’ opener. Everybody is sending us best wishes and saying be watchful,” Thakur added.
The Indian team boast of top-quality raiders in Rahul Chaudhari, Pardeep Narwal, Rohit Kumar, Rishank Devadiga and Monu Goyat. Thakur is blessed to have an equally strong defence with the likes of Deepak Hooda, Manjeet Chhillar, Surender Nada, and Girish Ernak lending a fine balance. With the 2018 Asian Games is just a few weeks away, the Tamil Thalaivas skipper said it would give the Indians an excellent opportunity to sort out their “mistakes”.
“The tournament will give us an excellent opportunity to rectify our mistakes ahead of the Asian Games. We will have enough time to get over our weakness and give our best for the Asian Games,” Thakur, who was the Best Raider in the 2016 World Cup, said.
