Defending champions India notched up back to back victories to remain on course for a semifinal spot in the kabaddi event of the 12th South Asian Games here on Friday.
The Indian men’s team defeated Nepal 47-23 in the morning before outplaying Sri Lanka 35-21 in the second match of the day.
Against Nepal, India led 19-11 at half time but grew stronger in the second to increase the gap and win the match easily in the end.
Against Sri Lanka, the story was almost the same with the home side taking time to have a measure of their opponents. India led 19-12 at half time and then widened the gap after resumption to eventually win by a comfortable margin.
Pakistan, who finished runners-up in the 2010 edition, suffered a shock 13-14 defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka.
In the women’s section, defending champions India thrashed Sri Lanka 37-13. They had beaten Nepal 51-17 on Thursday.
Mary Kom in spotlight
Meanwhile in boxing, eyes will be on seasoned campaigners such as MC Mary Kom and Shiva Thapa to lead India when the boxing competition gets underway here on Saturday.
India have fielded a star-studded team of seven men and three women — including Olympic, Commonwealth and Asian Games medallists — in 10 weight categories.
SAG may not offer them much in terms of tough competition but it is certainly a decent build-up before the Indians head to the Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualification tournament.
Medals tally
Country G S B T
India 146 80 23 249
Sri Lanka 25 53 79 157
Pakistan 8 23 43 74
Bangladesh 4 12 42 58
Nepal 1 12 20 33
Afghanistan 1 3 11 15
Maldives 0 2 1 3
Bhutan 0 1 4 5
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