India clinch women's Kabaddi World Cup championship

Patna, India, Mar 5 (PTI) India clinched the first women's Kabaddi World Cup championship title, defeating Iran 25-19 in the final played at the Patalipura sports complex in this east Indian city in the state of Bihar on Sunday. In a thrilling encounter, the Indian eves held upper hand throughout the match and led their Iranian counterparts 19-11 at the half time. Cheered lustily by the fans at the jam-packed stadium, the Indian women held out a strong challenge by the Iranian in the second half, on course to a resounding win. Earlier in the day, India outclassed Japan 60-21 while Iran defeated Thailand 46-26 in the two semifinals to set up the summit clash. After the final, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi gave away the trophy to India captain Mamata Pujari and medals to all members of the winning team. Indian cinestar-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who is also the member of parliament from Patalipura, handed over the runners-up trophy and silver medals to Iran, while state Education Minister P K Shahi and the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) President Janardhan Singh Gehlot gave away the bronze medals to Thailand and Japan. PTI Caption for pic: Indian players celebrate with the winners trophy of the first women World Cup Kabaddi Championship after beating Iran, in Patna on Sunday. PTI Photo