Kabaddi Masters: India demolish Kenya in one-sided affair
Dubai, June 26: Continuing their dominance, world champions India demolished Kenya 50-15 in a lopsided Group A match of the Kabaddi Masters at the Al Wasl Sports Club here on Tuesday.
India's winning streak continued as Rahul Chaudhary, Sandeep Narwal and Ajay Thakur starred in a match where players, who had not featured in the meet yet, were tested.
Veteran player Manjeet Chillar and Raju Lal Chaudhary are among the players, who were included in Tuesday's game.
Right from the start, Indian dominated the proceeding, inflicting an all out within five minutes of the game.
After seven minutes, Kenya managed to open their account when Surender Nada fell outside the mat but Rishank quickly revived him with a brilliant raid.
India kept on taking points and Kenya's defence and raiders struggle continued.
In-form Rishank was substituted by star raider Rahul Chaudhary and the move proved successful as he kept on taking bonus points with some brilliant raids.
He also forced Kenya to play with one man and opened the way for another all-out.
With just less than four minutes to go, Indian defence comprising of Nada inflicted another all out to make scorecard read 24-4.
The much awaited moment for the fans came when veteran player Chillar stepped on the mat in place of defender Girish. However, he did not raid till halftime.
Both teams went to the mid-game break with scoreboard reading 29-5 in favour of India.
The change of end saw India making another substitution as Deepak Niwas Hooda stepped on the court and straightaway went for a raid.
But it was Rahula's excellent raid which inflicted the third all out of the match. With five minutes to the second half, India made 36-5. Deepak also joined the part and took points in almost each raid.
Towards the end, Kenya managed to grab some points as they forced India to play with two players -- Surjeet and Manjeet. However, lack of experience cost them as India came back strongly and revived all their players towards the end with a brilliant raid of Nada to close the match at 50-15.
Earlier in the first game, Iran hammered Argentina 57-27.
The Asian powerhouse had too much in their locker as their raiders and defenders put up a strong show.
Saeid Ghaffari scored seven points so did Kazem Naseri. For Argentina, Manuel Pasqual scored six raid points.
A disappointing defence performance in the first half led to Argentina's downfall as they failed to contain the Iranian raiders.
Iran got 35 raid points whereas their defence got 11 points. For Argentina, their defence could score just six points.
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On Ambedkar's Mahaparinirvan Din, thousands gather at Chaityabhoomi; Guv, CM hail social icon
Mumbai (PTI): Thousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar converged at his memorial in Mumbai's Dadar area on Saturday to pay tributes to the social reformer on his death anniversary, observed as 'Mahaparinirvan Din'.
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who paid tributes to Ambedkar at 'Chaityabhoomi' in Shivaji Park.
The Governor said Ambedkar gave the country a Constitution which ensured equal rights to all people.
Speaking at a tribute event organised at 'Chaityabhoomi' on the occasion of the 69th Mahaparinirvan Din of Dr Ambedkar, Devvrat said great personalities strengthen movements of social justice and live forever through their thoughts and work.
"Despite adversities, Babasaheb believed education to be the most powerful weapon to change the future of a family, society and a country. The Constitution united people from different communities and ensured equal rights to all," he said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Ambedkar laid the foundation for the nation's progress and due to his far-sighted vision, India has emerged as the world's fourth largest economy and is poised to reach the third rank soon.
Fadnavis underlined Ambedkar's role in India's energy security, stating that the adoption of a national power grid concept enabled the country's path toward energy self-reliance.
"The Constitution ensured a strong democratic base and safeguarded the rights of common citizens," he said, adding the state government is committed to completing developmental works at the 'Chaityabhoomi' memorial.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Ambedkar's struggle was for establishing equality, liberty, justice and fraternity.
"The guiding principle of "Educate, Organise and Agitate" continues to inspire social transformation," he said.
The Governor, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, along with several ministers, MPs, MLAs and dignitaries, paid floral tributes at the memorial. Dignitaries also visited a photo exhibition organised by the BMC.
A helicopter showered flower petals over 'Chaityabhoomi' and copies of the Constitution were presented to the attendees.
Every year, thousands of people from across the state converge at 'Chaityabhoomi' on December 6. Ambedkar died on this day in 1956.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set up temporary sheds, mobile toilets, drinking water and medical stalls at the Shivaji Park, in view of the huge rush of Ambedkar's followers.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled Ambedkar’s ‘visionary’ leadership.
“Remembering Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism continue to guide our national journey. He inspired generations to uphold human dignity and strengthen democratic values.
“May his ideals keep lighting our path as we work towards building a Viksit Bharat,” Modi said in his message.
