India have always been a strong Kabaddi playing nation, winning titles consistently. They continued their incredible record by winning their third Kabaddi World Cup title, defeating Iran on Saturday, 38-29. India head coach Balwan Singh was extremely pleased with his players after winning the trophy, and also dedicated the win towards the Indian Army soldiers, who lost their lives in the Uri attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Nobody will be able to forget that unfortunate day of September 18, where terrorists attacked an army camp in Uri, killing as many as nineteen Indian soldiers. Even before the India-Iran final took shape, the Indian team had already decided to win the trophy for the martyrs, and they did so in emphatic style at the TransStadia Arena in Ahmedabad.
"We dedicate this win to our brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the terrorist attack in Uri. We salute them. We had planned before the match that we will give something to the nation. We wanted to win the World Cup for our nation and our soldiers," IANS quoted Balwan as saying.
The final between the two countries was always expected to be a tight encounter, and it did happen, with Iran leading at the end of the first half. The score read 13-18 in favour of Iran, who looked in top form during the first half.
But, the home team, with some tremendous support from the home crowd, came back roaring in the second half to clinch the title for the third time. India's captain Anup Kumar was inspired by his coach's confidence in the team to win, and encouraged his team to deliver in the second half to lift the title.
"During half-time, the coach told us to stay calm and play with confidence. We heeded his advice and managed to implement our tactics in the second half. Although we were trailing, there was no pressure on us. Every team plays to win. But we were confident that we will win," Kumar said.
