Champions again: India win Kabaddi World Cup 2016

Ahmedabad, Oct 22: India tonight (October 22) triumphed in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup for a 3rd straight time as they staged a remarkable fightback to overcome a tough Iran 38-29 in the title clash, maintaining their dominance in the sport.

This was India's third title triumph on the trot in a sport they have dominated for long. Incidentally, Iran tasted defeat to India in the last two World Cup finals and at the Asian Games.

Ajay Thakur was the star performer of the final, claiming 12 points. Iran fought bravely and took the lead going into the first half break at 18-13, but Thakur changed the complexion in the second half and he was helped by some resolute defending from the hosts.

Speaking after the victory, Ajay declared, "India is always number one in kabaddi." He added, "This is the most wonderful moment of my career."

Congratulations to Indian team for winning the Kabaddi World Cup. The team showed exceptional skills, grit & determination. Well done!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2016

Teams

India: Anup Kumar (captain), Ajay Thakur, Deepak Niwas Hooda, Jasvir Singh, Pardeep Narwal, Rahul Chaudhary, Dharamraj Cherathalan, Mohit Chhillar, Surender Nada, Surjeet Narwal, Kiran Parmar, Manjeet Chhillar, Sandeep Narwal, Nitin Tomar.

Champions of the world! The Indian Kabaddi ‘Dream Team’ has won the #2016KabaddiWorldCup, beating Iran 38-29 in the final! #OneBigBlue pic.twitter.com/rapgv5dDPK

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 22, 2016

Iran: Meraj Sheykh (captain), Abolfazl Maghsoudlou Mahalli, Gholamabbas Korouki, Mohammadesmaeil Maghsoudloumahalli, Mohammadtaghi Paeinmahali, Mohsen Maghsoudloujafari, Abozar Mohajer Mighani, Fazel Atrachali, Hadi Tajik, Milad Sheibak, Soleiman Pahlevani, Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh, Farhad Rahimi Milaghardan, Saeid Ghaffari.

List of Kabaddi World Cup champions

2016 - India

2007 - India

2004 - India

Partners in defence! Surender Nada & Mohit Chhillar work together to muscle out Korouki! #INDvIRN #OneBigBlue pic.twitter.com/WDnRLZHts8

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 22, 2016

One Narwal distracts, the other attacks! India are using every trick in the book tonight! #FinalRaid #INDvIRN #2016KabaddiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/VtXJQ4nwKW

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 22, 2016

Before the most important game of our lives, an open letter to all of India. We need you tonight! #JaiHind #OneBigBlue #2016KabaddiWorldCup pic.twitter.com/7knqQMypch

— Anup Kumar (@IamAnupK) October 22, 2016

PTI/OneIndia News