Gold medal favourites and holders India stormed into the semifinals of the Asian Games men's kabaddi competition along with their women counterparts after registering easy wins in their preliminary round here today.

India, who have grabbed every men's gold in the South Asia-invented game since its debut in 1990, drubbed Korea 37-19, after leading 19-10 at halftime, to enter the last four and top the three-team Group A with four points.

Their women counterparts ran into the Koreans and crushed them 47-21 (20-11) to advance to the semis.

India would clash with Japan in the men's semifinals while in the other semifinal match Pakistan face Iran.

In the women's semis, India would take on Iran and Thailand would line up against Bangladesh.

Against Korean men, India had a comfortable nine-point lead going into the second half though they went at a slow pace to avoid injuries.

They dominated the second half too and won by a handsome margin.

Captain Rakesh Kumar led from the front and earned two Lonas in the match as twice all the rival team members were dismissed.

"We played slow to avoid getting injured," said Rakesh.

His teammate Anup Kumar said because the Indians defended and attacked well, the Koreans were kept at bay despite impressing with their gritty show.

"We are hopeful of retaining the gold," he said.