Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018: Teams, Matches, and Results
The Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 was a groundbreaking international tournament organized by the International Kabaddi Federation. Held in the vibrant city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from June 22 to June 30, 2018, this event was more than just a sporting competition. It had a significant goal: to promote Kabaddi as a global sport, and it did so with style and fervor.
The tournament featured six top-tier teams, divided into two groups: Group A consisted of India, Pakistan, and Kenya, while Group B included Iran, the Republic of Korea, and Argentina. The format was a round-robin, where each team played against others in their group twice. The top two teams from each group would advance to the semi-finals, with the ultimate goal of reaching the finals.
India and Iran were the frontrunners, with both teams having strong traditions in Kabaddi. Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, and Kenya were also formidable opponents, while Argentina aimed to make its mark on the international stage.
The tournament kicked off with a bang, with India defeating Pakistan 36-20 in a thrilling encounter. Iran showcased their dominance by beating Argentina 54-24. As the group stage unfolded, India and Pakistan secured wins against Kenya, setting up a crucial showdown between the arch-rivals. In a fiercely competitive match, India emerged triumphant with a score of 41-17, earning their spot in the semi-finals alongside Kenya.
In Group B, Iran and the Republic of Korea demonstrated their prowess by securing victories against Argentina. This set the stage for a high-stakes match between Iran and the Republic of Korea, with Iran emerging victorious with a score of 35-20.
The semi-finals took place on June 29, 2018, featuring intense clashes. India faced off against the Republic of Korea, winning 36-20 in a closely contested match. On the other side, Iran showcased their might by defeating Kenya with a convincing score of 48-18. These results set the stage for an epic India vs. Iran final.
The much-anticipated final unfolded on June 30, 2018. India demonstrated their Kabaddi prowess from the beginning, taking a commanding lead of 24-7 by halftime. They continued their dominance in the second half, ultimately winning the game 44-26. India was crowned the champions of the Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018.
Ajay Thakur from India was awarded the prestigious title of Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances throughout the competition.
Broadcast and Global Impact:
The Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 was not only a sporting spectacle but also a showcase of the sport’s growing global appeal. It was broadcast in India by Star Sports and internationally by sports channels such as Fox Sports and Sky Sports. The tournament received praise for its high-quality production and organization, further cementing Kabaddi’s status as an emerging global sport.
In conclusion, the Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 was a memorable event that celebrated the spirit of Kabaddi and marked a significant milestone in the sport’s journey towards global recognition.
