PKL 2018 | Losing at Asian Games was worst moment of my career, claims Ajay Thakur

The Indian kabaddi team entered the Asian Games as the heavy favorites to bag the gold medal, in both the men’s and women’s categories after having dominated the sport since it was introduced in 1990. However, little did the Indians know, that history was about to be rewritten and this time, it was not in their favor.

The Indian men’s team suffered a disappointing 18-27 against Iran in the semi-finals and returned home with a bronze medal. This was the first time that India finished without a gold medal at the Asian Games since 1990. And captain, Ajay Thakur, revealed that the Asian Games loss to Iran was the worst moment of his career. 

"Losing at the Asian Games was the worst moment of my career as it was under my captaincy. Kabaddi has completely been an Indian game and if such mishappenings take place, it hurts.

"But today, this game (kabaddi) is not just confined to India. So many countries are playing it and that too, very well. So, now it is not so easy to go and get a medal. The quality of competition is getting better day by day. The game has expanded and today the whole world watches it, as it carries name and fame like other games. No doubt, we feel bad for the loss, but it is good for the growth of the game," Thakur told IANS.

The veteran player who is the captain of the Tamil Thalaivas, praised the professional-level kabaddi league, Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), for helping in the expansion of the game.

"I started playing in 2007 -- and since then I have featured in many international competitions. However, no one recognised us. People hardly knew me even in my hometown (Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh).

"I had to tell everyone that I am an international-level player. Today, things have changed as I no more introduce myself to anyone. They (people) know me and it is all because of this (PKL) league. If kabaddi has reached such a height, credit goes to this league," Thakur opined.