Ahmedabad: There is more than just pride at stake for India and Iran, as they prepare to face-off in the final of the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, at the Transstadia, in Ahmedabad, on Saturday night.
In fact, Iran and India are the only two teams to have made it to the finals of all the (three) editions of standard regulation Kabaddi World Cups.
The two countries have a rich heritage in the game of Kabaddi, and are also known two be the two powerhouses in the sport. While Indians believe that the game of Kabaddi had originated in the subcontinent, the Iranians point out that Kabaddi has been mentioned in 5,000-year-old scriptures found in their country.
While the origins of Kabaddi is still a matter of debate between athletes, coaches, historians, and enthusiasts from the two nations, the real bragging rights can only be achieved through victory in the 2016 World Cup final.
Strong defence the mantra for Iran
Defence will be the key for Iran. (Photo: Kabaddi World Cup Media)
The Iranians have always been strong in defence. Although their players may not impress with individual figures, Iran are more about team work and tactical defending, rather than flashy shows.
Iran’s defensive style is deep-rooted in their traditional wrestling styles, and many of their Kabaddi players have actually started off as wrestlers. In fact, wrestling is also a part of their training curriculum, where they master the art of getting a hold of their opponents. The extensive use of oil, in their wrestling curriculum, helps develop the technical aspect of tackling and defending.
Their defence will be headed by star man Fazel Atrachali, who will know all about his Indian counterparts. Fazel has played for Pro-Kabaddi side Patna Pirates.
Abozar Mohajer Mighani is yet another defender that the Iranians will look up to, after the 27-year-old churned out a brilliant performance against South Korea, in a difficult semifinal match, on Friday.
However, one man stands out among all the Iranian players – Meraj Sheykh. Sheykh is someone who has all the qualities of kabaddi rolled into him. He can coordinate in defence, and is also one of the best raiders in his team. However, what makes him an invaluable entity for the Iranians is that he leads his men from the front.
Indeed, Sheykh is a man who leads the charge, being the primary raider for Iran. Together with Mohammadesmaeil Maghsoudloumahalli, Sheykh leads a mean attack that is backed up by an extremely strong defence. This is something that makes the Iranians very dangerous.
India to bank on raiders
Raiding is the most important department for India. (Photo: Kabaddi World Cup Media)
The Indians might have waltzed into the final of the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, but their work is far from over.
The first match loss to South Korea proved how the smaller teams have started to improve, ever since the advent of the Pro Kabaddi League. The Indians have barely put a foot wrong since tasting defeat though, and that is something that they will draw confidence on.
However, Iran have gotten progressively close to India over the course of the last two World Cups, and will view this as the perfect opportunity to topple the hosts.
India’s playing style is a complete antithesis to that of how Iran go about playing their game.
The Indians are far more technical in their approach, and depend a lot on their raiders to get them the points. The likes of Pradeep Narwal and Ajay Thakur have shone in the raiding department, and need to be on their toes against a strong Iranian defence.
Defence may look like the one weak point for India, as they let hapless teams like Argentina and Thailand score 20 points each, despite controlling both the games with 50+ leads.
However, the presence of the experienced Manjeet Chhillar will be a huge boon for the Indians, as the 30-year-old is a calming presence for the youngsters of the side.
The likes of Surjeet Singh and Mohit Chhillar will also add some strength to the India defence.
India also have the added advantage of a strong bench, with players like Surender Nada and Deepak Hooda waiting hungrily for their turn, on the wings.
All-in-all, we are set to witness a thriller of a World Cup finale, where the Indian, with a strong attack, will take on the impregnable Iranian defence.
