Dubai: India and Pakistan are set to face each other in a showdown of rivals on Friday at the Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 opening match at the Al Wasl Sports Club here.
The tournament comprises a total of six nations, namely India, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Iran, Argentina and Kenya which are slated to compete in the tournament.
Indian Kabaddi team coach Srinivas Reddy admitted that although there would be pressure while taking on the arch-rivals, the team would be focused on giving their best.
“We have India’s best players participating for this tournament and we will not underestimate any team as all teams have come equally prepared. In terms of our competition, there is always a certain amount of pressure when India and Pakistan face each other, but once the game begins the team will only focus on giving their best on the mat and keep the trophy as their goal,” Srinivas told media.
Meanwhile, the team captain Ajay Thakur said winning the opening match would be crucial for boosting the team’s confidence.
India has been put in Group A with Pakistan and Iran, while Group B comprises Iran, Republic of Korea and Argentina.
The nine-day action-packed sporting event is being organised by The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF). (ANI)