Formidable India crushed lowly Thailand 50-29 in the opening Pool 'A' match of the first ever World Cup kabaddi tournament, being held in Mumbai, 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 Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh inaugurated the meet while Indian Olympic Association chief Suresh Kalmadi was introduced to the players before the start of the match.

Anurak Boonsri was declared man of the match.