Asian Games 2018 | Indian Kabaddi coach criticises Ajay Thakur’s overconfidence for semifinal loss

Asian Games 2018 | Indian Kabaddi coach criticises Ajay Thakur’s overconfidence for semifinal loss

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Written by: SportsCafe Desk

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As Indian men's Kabaddi team received a shocking defeat in the semifinals of the Asian Games against Iran, Indian Kabaddi coach Ram Mehar Singh criticised skipper Ajay Thakur for being overconfident in his approach. Indian men's team lost 18-27 to Iran in the semifinals on Thursday, August 23.

As Indian men's Kabaddi team lost it Iran in the semifinals, it was the first time the men's team did not win the Gold medal since the introduction of this sport in the Games in 1990. India had been champions in Kabaddi for seven times and it was quite shocking for everyone to digest the news of the team being knocked out in the quarter-finals. Coach Ram Mehar Singh has criticised the Indian skipper Ajay Thakur for taking an over-confident attitude towards the game.

“We lost the match due to the captain’s overconfidence, injury played a part, and super tackle. It’s a massive defeat by Iran and we accept this. Our catching was also good. We have to accept that Iran played well,” said Ram Mehar Singh.

“In our last match our defence did not do well, but today our defence did well. We told them to use their mind while raiding. Forward line did not work today, and we faced problems in super tackle,” he added.

A few days ago, India had also lost to South Korea. It was the first ever instance when India ended up with a bronze in the men's Kabaddi event.

“The game was in our control and we can go all the way, don’t get excited’ we told the players,” manager Rambir Khokhar said.

“I am too stunned to react at the moment. It will take some time to accept that this has exactly happened. But let me tell you there will be far-reaching impact of this result and repercussions will be huge,” Anup Kumar told PTI.

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