March 17, 2025 | England – The reigning champions, India, made a powerful statement in their opening match of the Kabaddi World Cup 2025, crushing Italy 64-22 in a thrilling encounter in Wolverhampton, England. With this victory, India reaffirmed their dominance in the sport, setting the tone for the tournament.
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India’s Commanding Performance
From the very first raid, India’s star players took control, giving Italy little chance to settle. The defending champions showcased a perfect blend of attacking raids, tight defensive holds, and superior teamwork.
Top Performers for India
- Pawan Sehrawat led the raiding unit with 14 successful raids, outmaneuvering the Italian defense.
- Arjun Deshwal supported well, contributing with quick bonus points and intelligent raids.
- Fazel Atrachali, the Iranian-born defender now playing for India, was rock solid in defense, executing five super tackles.
- Sandeep Narwal and Nitesh Kumar shut down Italy’s raiders, ensuring India maintained control throughout the game.
How the Match Unfolded
First Half – India’s Explosive Start
India wasted no time asserting dominance, racing to a 20-point lead within the first 10 minutes. Pawan Sehrawat’s aggressive raiding put Italy on the back foot early, while India’s defenders kept their opponents from scoring freely.
By halftime, India had secured a 34-10 lead, with Italy struggling to counter their aggressive strategy.
Second Half – Complete Domination
The second half followed a similar pattern, with India inflicting two All-Outs on Italy within the first 15 minutes. Even with some late resistance from Italy’s captain Luca Romano, India continued their high-pressure gameplay.
Coach Bharat Hooda took the opportunity to rotate players, giving younger squad members valuable game time. Rahul Sethpal and Akash Shinde impressed with some sharp raids in the closing moments.
By the final whistle, India sealed the match with an emphatic 64-22 victory, sending a strong message to their upcoming opponents.
What’s Next for Team India?
India will next face Pakistan, a historic rival, in what promises to be a high-octane clash. With this dominant start, the Indian squad will be full of confidence, but tougher challenges await as the tournament progresses.
Final Thoughts
India’s flawless opening match performance highlights their status as the tournament favorites. Their balance of aggressive raiding and solid defense makes them the team to beat in Kabaddi World Cup 2025. As they prepare for their next matches, fans will be hoping for more thrilling performances and a successful title defense.
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