India faces Pakistan in its opening group clash of the six-nation Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018, at Al Wasl Sports Club here on Friday.
While India, Pakistan and Kenya feature in Group A, Iran, South Korea and Argentina form Group B.
The teams play each other twice, and the top two sides from each group progresses to the semifinals.
India coach Srinivas Reddy stated this tournament serves as ideal preparation for the Asian Games, which commences in August.
On the pressure clash against Pakistan, Indian skipper Ajay Thakur said, “Expectations are always high when India takes on Pakistan.” The two teams will meet for the second time on June 25.
Korean challenge
Experienced Indian all-rounder Manjeet Chillar mentioned that it was South Korea that posed the biggest threat in this field. Iran, usually a strong presence, has sent a second-string team for this event.
Iran does not want to expose its main players to the competition ahead of the Asian Games, it was learnt.
Srinivas does not agree with Iran’s motives.
“It would have been ideal for Iran to send their best team here, so that they can find out where they stand against the best in the world. I am very happy that we have picked our best possible squad.”
Friday’s schedule (IST): India vs. Pakistan, 8 p.m.; Iran vs. South Korea, 9 p.m .
(The writer is in Dubai at the invitation of Star Sports)
