No stopping India: Kabaddi teams storm into finals, favourite to win Golds

India's men's and women's kabaddi teams marched into the Asian Games finals with unbeaten records on Friday, putting themselves within one win of defending their titles after commanding semifinal victories in Aichi-Nagoya.The women got the day off to a flying start, beating Nepal 48-24 at the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium to book their place in the gold-medal match.India's raiders were relentless throughout, producing 35 out points to Nepal's 18, while the defence held firm to force three All-Outs. Sanju Devi was central to India's attacking threat, repeatedly finding gaps in the Nepal defence as the defending champions established control.India went into half-time with a 31-17 lead, having already inflicted two All-Outs. Nepal managed 13 touch points and a Super Tackle in the opening half, but India's advantage proved too substantial. The second half was a more controlled affair. India added another 17 points, including a third All-Out, while Nepal managed only five touch points and two bonus points after the restart.The victory extended India's unbeaten run and kept their bid for a successive Asian Games title on track. They will face the winner of the second semifinal between Iran and Chinese Taipei in Saturday's final.EMPHAtiC STATEMENT FROM THE MEN The men then produced an even more emphatic statement, sweeping aside Thailand 66-28 to reach the final.India started aggressively, with their raiders consistently picking up bonus points while a disciplined defence put Thailand under pressure. Devank Dalal was particularly difficult to contain and helped India inflict an early All-Out.Thailand did manage a response. Supawit Somrat brought down Ayan Lohchab with a back hold, before Theeradet Chaisit produced a three-point Super Raid. Chaisit struck again with an All-Out on India to briefly bring Thailand back into the contest.India, however, regained control through Devank and Arjun Deshwal, who continued to find points in attack. Chaisit remained Thailand's biggest threat, but India finished the half strongly, securing another All-Out to take a commanding 37-18 lead into the break.There was little respite for Thailand after the restart. Devank continued his impressive outing, while Ayan Lohchab added points as India's raiders repeatedly opened up the gap. Another All-Out further stretched the lead before India's defence tightened its grip on the match.Aslam Inamdar contributed at both ends of the mat as India began to pull away decisively. Thailand struggled to deal with the sustained pressure, and the defending champions eventually closed out a 38-point victory.India's 66 points included 43 outs, 15 bonus points and eight All-Out points, while Thailand managed 20 outs, five bonus points, two All-Out points and one technical point.The result completed a perfect semifinal day for Indian kabaddi. Both teams have now reached the gold-medal match without losing a game, keeping alive their bids to retain the Asian Games titles they won at Hangzhou.The men will face the winner of Chinese Taipei and Iran in Saturday's final at 2:30 pm, while the women will also take on the winner of the corresponding semifinal as they chase another Asian Games gold.- Ends