India wary of Korea in Kabaddi Masters Dubai

With Iran sending a second-string side, India today picked Korea as one of the strong challengers in the six-nation Kabaddi Masters Dubai, which gets underway here tomorrow.

The 2016 World Cup finalists Iran will not get the services of their two star defenders, Fazel Atrachali (U Mumba) and Abozar Mighani (Telugu Titans), who were sold for Rs 1 crore and Rs 76 lakh respectively in the Pro Kabaddi League auctions this year.

2017 Asian Championships runners-up Pakistan, on the other hand, are mired in visa hurdles and they will arrive tomorrow morning, about 12 hours before their clash against India in the tournament opener at the Al Wasl Sports Club.

India's experienced defender Manjeet Chillar today said Korea would pose a tough challenge.

"They have a strong set of players and are coming here with a full-strength side. Iran have not sent their full strength side. It will be a tough battle against Korea," Chillar told reporters at the team hotel here.

Asked how big a threat is Pakistan, he said: "I don't remember when they defeated us. At least not during my playing days."
"Any team can match anyone on a given day. All the teams will pose tough challenges."