Anup Kumar News
The 'Dubki King' secured yet another Super 10 (18 raid points) as the Pirates overcame a stiff challenge from Anup Kumar-coached Paltan to secure their third win on the trot.
Nitin Tomar (8 points) and Manjeet (9 points) were among the top performers for the Anup Kumar coached Pune side, despite a record-setting defensive display by the Titans who produced 7 Super Tackles.
Only 16 points separated the top and the bottom teams in the points table going into the match, and Pune's victory, thanks to an incredible performance from their defence, showed how close the competition is, in what is turning out to be a very competitive season.
The Steelers who are coached by Rakesh Kumar defeated Anup Kumar coached Puneri Paltan 34-24 in a hard-fought clash at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad.
Anup, also known as `captain cool`, led India to the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup title.
Haryana Steelers paid the price for their lacklustre first half performance and their defence also struggled to score points.
Anup has every right to feel confident about his sport considering the level of success of kabaddi at the international as well as the club level.
The 2017 edition of one of India's best leagues started with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar singing the National Anthem at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.
The inaugural match of the tournament would be held at the Gachibowli stadium between the Rahul Chaudhari-led Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas.
All the funds raised will be offered to the Indian Kabaddi players, as a mark of respect and recognition, who will further use the funds to provide better facilities for promising new players and development of Kabaddi, a press release stated.
India had defeated Iran 38-29 in the summit clash to take its third World crown.
India had defeated Iran in the previous two World Cup finals, 55-27 at Mumbai In 2004 and 20-19 at Panvel in 2007.
India had previously defeated Iran in the previous two World Cup finals, 55-27 at Mumbai In 2004 and 20-19 at Panvel in 2007.
The final against the Persian giants will be played on Saturday.
India have won the previous two World Cups, under the revamped standarised format, each time defeating Iran inn the finals.
Placed at the third spot in Group B, Japan alongside Kenya (fifth) and Thailand (second) are looking for a desperate win to seal their semi-final berth.
It was an extraordinary effort by Korea, who came back strongly at the death to clinch a thrilling win over favourites India.
"We are expecting the tournament to be more competitive than ever this year. It will be the biggest challenge that the Indian team has faced in recent times."
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