Formidable India [ Images ] crushed lowly Thailand 50-29 in the opening Pool 'A' match of the first ever World Cup kabaddi tournament, being held in Mumbai [ Images ], on Friday.

Playing aggressively, the Indians did not allow their opponents any chance of settling down in a match where they led throughout.

The hosts led 33-14 at half-time.

India's skipper Sanjiva Kumar marshalled his resources magnificently. Manprit Singh and Sundar Singh gave India an early lead with some attacking play as the Asian Games gold medallists led 19-2.

However, Thailand fought back despite their captain Akkaradach Boonpang being injured early in the match.

Anurak Boonsri and Wacharin Nootong played their hearts out to reduce the margin at 23-14. However, the Indians lifted their game through Manprit Singh, Shailesh Sawant and Ramesh

Kumar Sr to increase their lead to 33-14 at half-time.

In the second half the hosts won points at will.

Earlier, Maharashtra [ Images ] Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh [ Images ] inaugurated the meet while Indian Olympic [ Images ] Association chief Suresh Kalmadi [ Images ] was introduced to the players before the start of the match.

Anurak Boonsri was declared man of the match.