Asian Games champion India quelled the threat of Iran 29-19 to win the second Kabaddi World Cup in Mumbai on Thursday.
Determined to maintain their supremacy, India raised their game in the second half to get past previous edition runner-up in a hard-fought encounter.
India got off to a bright start to get an early 9-0 lead but the Iranians came back strongly to narrow the gap to 12-13 and trail just by one point at half-time.
The crucial moment came early in the second half when Manpreet Singh with an effective raid, helped India not only record their second lona but also secure a modicum of control by gaining a handy 23-13 lead.
Iran, missing the services of injured star raider Aref Mojerdi, strived hard and were impressive in their defense but their efforts were not enough to upset the pre-match predictions.
Being made to work extremely hard for the title, India received a cash purse of Rs 2.5 lakh on the concluding day of the three-day event, organised by the Karnala Sports Academy.
Second-placed Iran went home richer by Rs 1.5 lakh.
{{/usCountry}}Second-placed Iran went home richer by Rs 1.5 lakh.
{{/usCountry}}Japan's Kazu Hiro Takaro was adjudged the Man of the Tournament while Manpreet Singh (India) and Kiyanoush Naderian (Iran) were declared Man of the Final and Best Catcher respectively.