Pakistan have failed to qualify for the kabaddi semi-finals at the Asian Games for the first time. The national team suffered a 51-30 defeat to Iran in their final group-stage match, ending Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals.
Pakistan won only two of its four group matches. In addition to the defeat against Iran, the team also lost to Thailand. Kabaddi has been a permanent fixture at the Asian Games since 1990. Pakistan has won six bronze and two silver medals in the sport at the continental event.
Pakistan had won a kabaddi medal at every Asian Games except the 2014 edition, when the national team finished fourth. Following the defeat against Iran, Pakistan missed out on the Asian Games kabaddi semi-finals for the first time in its history.
Pakistan held a narrow 32-31 lead at half-time but struggled to maintain their advantage after the interval. Thailand stepped up their performance in the second half, scoring 17 points compared with Pakistan’s 13 to secure a memorable victory.
Thailand had also defeated Nepal 59-48 in their opening Group B fixture, strengthening their position in the group. Pakistan then entered their final group match against Iran knowing that a positive result was crucial to their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. However, Iran dominated the contest and secured a convincing 51-30 victory to bring Pakistan’s campaign to an early end.
The elimination represents a significant setback for Pakistan in a competition where they have traditionally been among the leading kabaddi teams. Kabaddi has been a permanent part of the Asian Games programme since 1990, and Pakistan has reached the semi-final stage at every edition since its inclusion.