BANGKOK, DEC 13: Defending champions India trounced Pakistan and Bangladesh, the second and third-placed teams at Hiroshima four years ago, to virtually ensure gold for themselves in the kabbadi competition today.In the opening match of the competition, India thrashed traditional rivals Pakistan 17-9 after leading 10-6 at half time. In their second match of the day, the title holders routed twic bronze medallists Bangaldesh 34-10. The winners led 14-5 at half time.Tomorrow, India take on Nepal and Thailand and will play the last match against Japan on December 15. BC Ramesh and Sanjeev Kumar, who spearheaded the attack against Pakistan in the morning, excelled again against Bangladesh.
The leading scorers for India were Sanjeev, who garnered nine points, Ramesh (seven) and all-rounder Ram Mehar Singh (four).
In the morning, Pakistan, runners-up in the last two editions of the Games, displayed better defence but their attackers were no match to the Indians. Ramesh was in good form as he garnered sixpoints with tactical raids.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.