India forfeiting the final of the Asian Kabbadi Championship final as a mark of protest against their coach being penalised by the referee has resulted in Pakistan lifting the title.
Pakistan clinched the Asian Kabbadi Championship title after arch-rivals India walked out of the field in protest against the referee's decision to penalise their coach.
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The Pakistani team, cheered on by a full house at the Punjab stadium, was leading by 40 points against 31 when the Indian team refused to carry on the contest.
The Indians protested when their coach, Goormel Singh was shown a green card by the referee for constantly disturbing the final by entering into the ground frequently to protest decisions. Goormel twice interrupted play when he walked onto the field to protest a line decision by the match official. The third time the Pakistani team also protested against his actions.
After some heated arguments, the Indians finally decided not to continue play after which the crown was awarded to the hosts. The Asian Kabbadi Championship drew big crowds throughout its five days of competition in which other countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal also took part.