Asian Kabaddi at POF Wah Cantt from April 27

KARACHI: Kabaddi fans will witness once again some fine moments of the traditional rivalry between Pakistan and India when the Asian Kabaddi Championship (circle style) is staged at POF Wah Cantt from April 27 to May 1.

This will be the second time in last four years that the event will be staged in Pakistan.

Last time Pakistan hosted the continental event in Lahore in 2012. In that event Pakistan had defeated India in the final, but it was mired in a controversy as India opted to forfeit the last few minutes because they were not happy with the referee’s decisions.

Pakistan Kabaddi Federation’s (PKF) secretary Mohammad Sarwar briefed media on Thursday in Islamabad about the competition which is expected to pull a huge crowd because of the popularity of the game in Punjab.

The slots will also be telecast live.

Sarwar told ‘The News’ that six top teams of Asia would be part of the competitions. Besides Pakistan and India, Iran, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal are expected to be part of the showpiece.

“Malaysia, Azerbaijan and Bangladesh have also shown willingness to take part in the affair,” said Sawar, also secretary of Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF).

He said the event would boost Pakistan’s soft image. He said POF Wah was a secure place and every effort would be made to make watertight security arrangements for the spectacle.

He said POF Wah had fine playing facilities with a good ground and around 40,000 spectators would be able to witness the duels.

He was quick to add that because of the live transmissions every Pakistani would be able to witness the exciting showdowns.

He said that POF Wah was also financially supporting the organizers. Sponsors were also being attracted so that the affair could be organised in a befitting manner, he added.

He said PKF had already successfully held a couple of national championships at POF Wah.

He said the support of the government would be needed for smooth handling of the affair.

“We still have time and I hope everything will be processed smoothly,” said Sarwar, also a former Pakistan captain.

He said that Pakistan would start preparation for the event from next week. “We plan to hold the camp either in Islamabad or POF Wah next week. The final venue will be decided soon,” he said.

He said 20 players would be invited for the camp which would be handled by three coaches. He said the final 14-member squad would be picked a few days before the competitions.