Thailand produced a major upset at the Asian Games on Wednesday, edging Pakistan 48-45 in a closely fought Group B men’s kabaddi match at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium.
Pakistan, who had opened their campaign with a dominant 65-22 victory over Malaysia before demolishing Nepal, led Thailand 32-31 at halftime but were unable to maintain their advantage in the second period
Thailand turned the match around after the break, scoring 17 points to Pakistan’s 13 to secure their second victory of the competition.
The result marked a striking turnaround for Thailand, who had also beaten Nepal 59-48 in their opening Group B match.
The defeat leaves Pakistan needing a strong response in their remaining Group B fixture against Iran. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.
Pakistan will now face Iran in do-or-die battle on Thursday (tomorrow).
“Our players did not play the way they should have after half time,” Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) secretary Mohammad Sarwar told The Express Tribune from Japan.
“We don’t have more exposure as others like Thailand ho abroad doe matches. You need international match experience,” Sarwar said.