India well on course for sixth Asiad kabaddi gold

Five-time gold medallists and title favourites India stormed into the final of men's kabaddi competitions in the Asian Games with a comfortable victory over Japan in Guangzhou on Thursday.

India, who have clinched the gold in every edition of the quadrennial event since the game's introduction in 1990, thrashed Japan 52-17 in a lop-sided semifinal at the Nansha Gymnasium.

India proved too strong for the hapless Japanese as they dominated the proceedings from the start and raced to a 26-5 lead in the first half.

Even though Japan raised their level of play after the change of ends by pocketing 12 points, it was not enough to down the Indians who comprehensively sealed the match by scoring 26 more points.

India will now take on Iran in the gold medal clash on Friday.

Iran had earlier defeated Pakistan 17-16 in a pulsating first semi-final in the men's event.

Later in the day, India will take on Iran in the semi-finals of the women's event.