Star raider Rishank Devadiga expects Iran to give reigning champions India a run for their money in the men's kabaddi competition at the upcoming Asian Games.
According to him, even teams like Bangladesh,Sri Lanka snd South Korea will not be pushovers in a sport largely dominated by India.
"In the Asian Games, all teams come well prepared. You cant judge the teams on the basis of their performance in the Dubai Masters, because Iran had sent their junior players, but the main team will represent them in the Asian Games," Devadiga told PTI here today.
"The teams from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are good. Even the South Korean team is good. These teams can give us good competition in the Asian Games.
"They will come to the Games after doing their analysis. I cannot say, but Iran team can give a good competition to India," he remarked.
The kabaddi star was speaking after the #RaidForGold, an initiative by Mashal Sports Pvt Ltd, was launched to support the Indian kabaddi team at the Asian Games to be hosted by Indonesia from August 18 to September 2.
Prodded further on why Iran could pose a tough challenge, Devadiga said, "Iran have brought up a lot of changes to their game in the past years. Indian players are skillful and technically (sound).
"They (Iran) have presently adapted to this technique and made changes (in style of play). Their players also play in the Pro Kabaddi League. This time their team will be good and will be a good competition for India and even we are ready for it."
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