New Delhi, The IGI Airport turned festive as India’s Asian Games kabaddi champions returned home to a warm reception, with the shooters, led by gold winners Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet Singh, arriving soon after to extend the celebrations.
The cynosure of all eyes was the pair of Kamaljeet and Suruchi, who won the gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event. “It was not easy to win a 10m air pistol mixed gold. It was tough and we held on to our nerves.
I am happy for Suruchi who showed some great heart and tremendous form as we clinched the top honour,” Kamaljeet said.
“High morale led us to the gold. I am very happy to see this kind of reception. “We have shown yet again that we are the best kabaddi-playing nation in the world. Retaining the title is very pleasing. I am proud of my boys. Our team showcased tremendous heart, soul and game to win the deserving gold,” he added. “Our opponent really fought well but we were the better team in terms of both talent and experience. Yes, the sport is becoming popular worldwide though India is thoroughly dominating it. Women’s kabaddi player Manisha Kumari, who was welcomed by a BSF band, thanked the security forces for helping her achieve the feat.
I hope Kabaddi becomes an Olympic sport one day,” Indian men’s kabaddi team captain Sunil Kumar told PTI amid the deafening beat of the celebratory dhol. Echoing similar sentiments, women’s team captain Pushpa Rana said her side delivered when it mattered most to clinch the gold despite stiff resistance from Iran in the final. “It’s high time that kabaddi is included in the Commonwealth Games and hopefully in the Olympics one day,” Rana told PTI.
