Goa must cross Punjab hurdle for medal

Panaji: It was a mixed day for Goa women in kabaddi at Campal on Sunday.

The team started strongly, defeating Jharkhand 43-19 in their opening match, but couldn’t put it across Haryana. Had they done that, a medal would have been theirs. All, however, is not lost. They still have another group-stage game. That it’s a tough task against Punjab is a different matter altogether.

Goa coach Omkar Gawas was positive as the match against Haryaan commenced. However, at the end of the match, he was left with thoughts on how to tackle powerhouse Punjab in the concluding pool match.

Haryana started strongly, earning two points in the first raid and caught Goa raider Ankita Mardolkar.

It took Goa three minutes, and down by 13 points, to open their account to loud cheers. Another raider, Yashmit Tawadkar, too fell prey to Haryana's defence.

Haryana girls increased the lead with every raid and caught Goa raiders at regular intervals. There was no respite. The first half saw Goa trail 7-28.

"We have great support from the crowd. I tried to motivate the players. In the second half, we did play well, but it was too much to catch up," said Gawas.

It was one-way traffic as Goa failed to get going and they eventually ran out of time.

"I told girls we have the game of lives coming up. Punjab is strong, but if we hold our own, we have a medal waiting," said Gawas.

What Haryana did to Goa, the hosts had done the same to Jharkhand. Ankita and Yashmita raided successfully and Alisha Arakar and Manisha Kumari were strong in defence.

It was curtains for Goa men as they lost against Uttar Pradesh 61-30 and Services 45-23.