WCK-2012: Iran qualifies for semi-finals by defeating USA 45-41

Rupnagar/Chandigarh, December 7, 2012: Iran scripted the first major upset of 3rd world cup Kabaddi by defeating USA with a margin of 45-41 points and became the first team to qualify for semi finals. 

At the end of first half, both the teams were on the same footing with 21-21 points. Iran’s raider Mustafa Hussein scored, Syan got 7 points, whereas its stopper Ali Raza and Asgar Aizm bagged 5 and 3 points respectively. USA’s raider Inderdeep Singh, Baljinder Singh, Kanwar Sandh clinched 16, 5 and 3 points respectively, whereas its stopper Jaskaran, Sandeep Singh and Kulwinder Singh got 4, 3 and 2 points respectively.

The first match of the day in Pool ‘D’ was played between Argentina and Kenya. Punjab Health Minister, Madan Mohan Mittal inaugurated the match by having introduction with the Players. Argentina beat Kenya with the margin of 55-42 and registered its first victory in the World Cup. At the end of first half, Argentina was leading with the difference of 28-21 points. Argentina’s raiders Yuri Mair, Alexandro and Evan got 17, 11 and 6 points respectively, whereas its stoppers Kristiyan and Sebba got 6 and 4 points respectively.

The second match in the women category was played between USA and Malaysia. Mittal and Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema had introduction with the players. Match was won by Malaysia with the difference of 47-18. USA’s team was leading at the end of first half with 23-9, but Malaysia’s team played splendid game in the second half and embraced the victory. Malaysia’s raider Manpreet Kaur, Parmajit Kaur and Amandeep Kaur scored 9, 8 and 8 points respectively, whereas its stoppers Mandeep Kaur, Rekha and Liza got 10, 7 and 3 points respectively. USA’s raider Guramrit Kaur scored 9 points whereas stopper Meena Devi and Babli Devi bagged 3 and 2 points respectively.