Pakistan knocked out of Asian Games kabaddi semi-final race

Pakistan have been eliminated from the race for the semi-finals of the Asian Games kabaddi competition for the first time

Pakistan have been eliminated from the race for the semi-finals of the Asian Games kabaddi competition for the first time after suffering a heavy defeat against Iran in their final group-stage match.

Iran defeated Pakistan 51-30 in the decisive group encounter, ending Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the last four. The defeat also marked a disappointing campaign for Pakistan, who managed to win only two of their four group matches.

Pakistan had earlier suffered a defeat against Thailand, further complicating their chances of securing a place in the semi-finals. Despite winning two matches in the group stage, Pakistan were unable to accumulate enough points to progress to the knockout stage.

The early exit represents a significant setback for Pakistan in a sport in which the country has traditionally enjoyed considerable success at the Asian Games.

Kabaddi has been a permanent part of the Asian Games programme since 1990. Pakistan have won six bronze medals and two silver medals in kabaddi at the continental event, establishing a strong record over the years.

Pakistan had won a kabaddi medal at every Asian Games edition except the 2014 event. At the 2014 Asian Games, Pakistan finished in fourth position after missing out on a medal.

However, the latest campaign has resulted in another unwanted milestone for the national team. For the first time since kabaddi became a permanent Asian Games sport, Pakistan have failed to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

The result against Iran proved particularly costly as Pakistan needed a strong performance in their final group match to keep their hopes of advancing alive. Instead, Iran dominated the contest and secured a convincing 51-30 victory.

Pakistan’s inability to reach the semi-finals brings an end to a long-standing record of competing among the top teams in Asian Games kabaddi.

The national side has historically been regarded as one of the leading kabaddi teams in the region, with its previous medal record reflecting its competitiveness at the Asian Games. The six bronze and two silver medals won by Pakistan demonstrate the country’s long association with success in the sport at the continental level.

The latest result, however, means Pakistan will return without a medal and without a place in the semi-finals.

The defeat also highlights the growing competitiveness of Asian kabaddi, with teams such as Iran and Thailand challenging Pakistan’s traditional position in the competition.

For Pakistan, the focus will now shift towards assessing the team’s performance, identifying the reasons behind the group-stage exit and preparing for future international competitions.

The failure to qualify for the semi-finals marks a historic low for Pakistan in Asian Games kabaddi and ends the team’s long-standing record of reaching the last four since the sport became a permanent fixture at the continental games.