2016 Kabaddi World Cup: Sport's turning point

AHMEDABAD: It's not often that one sees sportsmen in India, who don't wield the willow, get mobbed for autographs and selfies. But things have been different here, at The Arena, where fans have flocked around the stars during the ongoing Kabaddi World Cup. Players like Anup Kumar, Ajay Thakur, Manjeet Chhillar, Pardeep Narwal and Surender Nada, who were already household names thanks largely to the four seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League, have acquired greater stardom as the tournament has progressed.

What's more, there have been times when these players have been whisked away by security personnel so that they don't get crushed by the large number of fans pleading for their attention. And, the glitzy setting in which the matches have been staged each evening has only added to the profile of the tournament.

At the conclusion of the league phase, the best four teams ­ India, Korea, Iran and Thailand ­ have progressed to the semi-finals, but the past 14 days have provided ample proof that given the right support, there are quite a few teams that can challenge the dominance of the heavyweight kabaddi nations in the coming years.

The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) has promised to hold the tournament every two years from now, and this initiative will go a long way in not only promoting kabaddi in countries like Argentina, Australia, Poland, the USA, and Kenya, it will also provide India's premier kabaddi league a larger pool to pick their players from. The IKF is also trying hard to find kabaddi a place at the Olympics, and nothing better than well-organised top-class tournaments will help them further their cause.

Meanwhile, at the outset, no one expected some of the weaker teams in the competition ­ Argentina, Australia and USA to dethrone sides like India, Korea and Iran. But, what these fledgling outfits lacked by way of skill and technique, they more than made up by the enthusiasm they showed for the sport and the connect they tried to build with spectators.

While at least three of the semi-finalists - India, Korea and Iran - were expected to stay in the thick of things at the business end of the tournament, Thailand have definitely been the surprise package.
The young side -12 of their 14 players are still pursuing various courses in different universities ­ have been led remarkably by their 24-year-old captain Khomsan Thongkham, who is a trooper in the arm.

Kenya and Poland were the other two teams who impressed everyone with their heart for a fight and the African nation was unlucky not to have made it to the semis. Had Japan beaten Thailand on Wednesday by an eight-point margin, one would have seen Kenya and Iran move up from Group B. Bangladesh, though could have done better in the tournament. But, that was always going to be tough since they were grouped with India and Korea.
TOP 5 CLASHES OF THE WORLD CUP
India vs S Korea (October 7), Korea beat India 34-32
As favourites, India were expected to beat Korea and get the tournament off to a rousing start. But, as the eventual result showed, they had not accounted for raider Jang Kun Lee who did the star turn for the Koreans with some dazzling display towards the closing stages and ensured India's downfall.
Thailand vs Japan (October 19), Thailand beat Japan 37-33
Needing to win this match to ensure a safe passage into the semis, Thailand thwarted Japan's challenge till the very end to pull off a remarkable four-point win. Even with about three minutes remaining for close of proceedings, the teams were tied 3232, so close was the battle.
Iran vs Poland (October 17), Poland beat Iran 41-25
At the outset, fans felt this was a no contest, given Iran's reputation as a kabaddi powerhouse but, the Poles had other ideas. With nothing but pride to play for, they showed the zeal of true warriors with their captain Michal Spiczko leading the battle charge with 12 points.
Kenya vs Japan (October 16), Kenya beat Japan 48-27
In the last couple of years, Kenya has taken to kabaddi in a big way. And, now, they are also producing the results, as Japan found out in a key Group B match. The African team fired in unison to bring the downfall of a strong Asian side with defender James Obilo collecting four super tackles.
S Korea vs Bangladesh (October 13), Korea beat Bangladesh 35-32
Like the game against India, Korea left it for late against Bangladesh as well, before pulling off a sensational win in the final minute. The result also went a long way in putting them at the top of Group A. This win too was a result of raider Jang Kun Lee's last-ditch heroics.
MEN WHO MATTERED
AJAY THAKUR (RAIDER, INDIA)
The lanky Himachal Pradesh man didn't start in the first three matches against Korea, Australia and Bangladesh. However, he collected 19 raid points from these ties after coming on as a substitute with a high of 11 vs Bangladesh. That sterling show forced the team to start with him in the remaining two encounters against Argentina and England. He raked up another 22 points and has a total of 41 points now.
JAMES OBILO (DEFENDER, KENYA)
He started off slowly but his 4 super tackles against Japan made him a star and seven points against USA made him the third best defender.
KHOMSAN THONGKHAM (RAIDER, THAILAND)
The 24-year-old skipper believes in leading from the front. The army trooper, who has the experience of playing in the Pro Kabaddi League for Puneri Paltan, came up with two brilliant performances, first against Kenya (14 raid points) and against USA (13). Also, it is his subtle captaincy through the tournament that has earned him applause.
JANG KUN LEE (RAIDER, REPUBLIC OF KOREA)
He has just 20 raid points so far, yet Lee is the most bankable raider for his team. With PKL stints, Lee, 24, single-handedly floored the Indians in the dying minutes of their match. His technique and long legs put him among the top raiders.
TOPE ADEWALURE (RAIDER, ENGLAND)
He was the surprise package of the tournament. With 51 points, Tope sits third in top raider's chart. The Englishman gathered 20 points in their 'Ashes of Kabaddi' match against Australia to become a crowd favourite. He then shone against Argentina with 19 points.