‘Keep Supporting Us’: Captain Ajay Thakur After India beat Pak

“Never thought we’d get so much support in Dubai,” said Thakur after India won their third game at Kabaddi Masters.

Indian skipper Ajay Thakur (right) picked up six points against Pakistan in their third Group A match on Monday. 

(Photo: The Quint)

After three straight wins, captain Ajay Thakur is positive that India will beat Kenya in their final Group A match at the Kabaddi Masters to finish the league stage on top.

India thrashed Pakistan 41-17 to book a spot in the semi-finals of the six-nation tournament being in held at the Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai.

It feels great that we’ve won all three of our league games so far. One match against Kenya is remaining, and we’ll win that too. The wins have also increased the team’s confidence.

Ajay Thakur, India Captain

“Since the youngsters are also performing, my tension has decreased. I know that even if i don’t raid in the entire match, they won’t let us lose,” added the Indian captain.

After their opening game against India, Pakistan coach had said that the players were tired since they only arrived in Dubai on the morning of the match. They were also missing two of their star raiders, who couldn’t make it on time due to visa issues. But India captain Ajay Thakur felt that wasn’t a good enough reason for them not to perform.

A team’s performance can never be any less because of one player missing. Kabaddi is a team sport, and a team’s performance cannot just depend on two players. So I don’t think that reason made sense.

Ajay Thakur, India Captain

“Our team is really happy. We never thought we’d get so much support in Dubai,” added Thakur as he asked fans to continue supporting the Indian Kabaddi team.

Playing just his second match for India, youngster Girish Ernak was the star of the day, successfully stopping several Pakistani defenders.