India’s campaign at the Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 got off to winning start as the World champions defeated arch-rivals by 36-20 in the opening match of the tournament. The Ajay Thakur-led started on a promising note and did not give away the momentum. It was skipper Thakur who lead from the front as he helped his team collect some points and take an early lead. During the first time out in the opening half, India had a two-point advantage in their kitty.

Towards the end of first-half, India inflicted an all-out and swelled their lead to 14-8. By the end of the first-half, India were leading by 22-9. India continued their dominance in the second-half as well and extended their lead over the rivals.

Though Pakistan tried to up the ante towards the end, by then India had a considerable lead on their side and eventually emerged victorious. It was yet another impressive performance by the Indian Kabaddi team given that they were without the services of regular captain Anup Kumar. Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 Schedule in IST: Venue Details, Full Time Table & Match Timings in Indian Time.

India, who are placed in Group A, will next face Kenya on Saturday, June 23. The two rivals, India and Pakistan, will once again lock horns on Monday, June 25. Group B, on the other hand, comprises of Iran, South Korea, and Argentina.

This is the inaugural edition of Kabaddi Masters Dubai and the tournament will help teams like India, Pakistan, South Korea and Iran prepare for the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta and Palembang. As per the format, each team will four group stage matches. Top two teams from each group will qualify for semis.

The teams in each group play two matches against every other team in their respective group, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. The final will be played on June 30.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2018 09:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).