Nepal poised for Kabaddi medal win

KATHMANDU: Nepal is almost expected to win a medal in women’s kabaddi at the ongoing 19th Asian Games in China.

The Nepali National Women’s Kabaddi team is favored to win at least a bronze medal.

In the match between the two South Asian nations, Nepal defeated Bangladesh 37-24 on Sunday to virtually certainly win at least the bronze medal. At halftime, Nepal was up 21-16.

If Iran defeats Bangladesh in their next group encounter, Nepal will be assured of a bronze medal. The previous edition’s gold medalist squad was Iran.

Nepal and Bangladesh are in the same group as Iran in Women’s Kabaddi, which has seven teams competing. If Nepal wins on Sunday, it has a good chance of reaching the semi-finals.

In Kabaddi, a medal is assured if they reach the semi-finals. Given that both teams defeated in the last four will automatically finish third, it appears that if Nepal defeats Bangladesh, at least the bronze medal is certain.

Nepal defeated Bangladesh 36-25 in the 13th South Asian Games, held in Nepal in 2019. Nepal took silver in that event after losing to India in the final.