Women stars confident of India defending title

Tejaswini Bai, who led India to victory in women’s kabaddi at the last Asian Games, is optimistic of India defending its gold at Incheon, thanks to the presence of fellow-Arjuna awardee Mamatha Poojari and Kavita Singh in the squad.

On the eve of leaving for Bhopal for the final camp, Tejaswini was aware of the “huge challenge Indians might face from the very strong Iranian and Korean teams.”

“But we are confident as we have been training hard and the focus has been on individuals in tackling different situations, especially in defence and in trying to avoid rivals’ chains,” said Tejaswini in the company of her mentor, coach Dhanam Reddy, who has produced three Arjuna awardees.

The Indian team coach for the Asiad, Arjuna Awardee Neeta Dadwe, knows what it means to be the best in the business.

“This team is a perfect blend of experience and youth. We have the inspirational raider Mamatha, who led India to World Cup victory, and all-rounder Tejaswini who can match the best in the world. Then you have the highly talented, all-rounder Kavita (set to make Asiad debut),” said Neeta.

Tinge of worry

There was a tinge of worry in the Indian camp about the possibility of the change in rules for Asiad kabaddi on the lines of the recent Star Sports ProKabaddi League, wherein if a team makes three consecutive unproductive raids, the raider of the third such raid shall be declared out and the rival team shall be awarded a point and a chance for revival.

“We are not sure but hope there are no last minute changes,” said Neeta. “Our focus in the final phase will be more on practice than on fitness as there are no injury problems,” she said.

Even while acknowledging that their lifestyles have changed after the last Asiad gold, thanks to recognition on all fronts, both Mamatha and Tejaswini felt that another gold would give a new dimension to the sport.

“There is a serious talk about a separate ProKabaddi League for women. If that happens, things will only keep improving as more and more players will take up the sport,” said Dhanam Reddy.