Pakistan likely to host Kabaddi World Cup this year

KARACHI: Pakistan is likely to host Kabaddi World Cup (circle style) at the end of this year, a highly reliable source told ‘The News’ on Saturday.

“It is likely to be held in November-December in Lahore,” a source close to the development said.

This would be the first time that Pakistan would be going for such a major event in which the world’s 12 to 16 teams are expected to show their worth.

The source said that Sports Board Punjab (SBP) is going to organise the major spectacle, most probably at the Punjab Stadium, Lahore.

The source said that the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) has already given a green signal to Pakistan to stage the global event.

“Approval from the IKF is not an issue. It has agreed. Pakistan also has a say in the IKF,” the source added.

The source said that the organisers would write a formal letter to the IKF once they get the approval of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

“It’s a big step and Punjab CM himself likes the sport and would definitely support the cause. He is the main hope behind all this adventure,” the source said.

He said the step would give a huge boost to kabaddi in the country, particularly in Punjab, where people adore the sport in which Pakistan has a great standing in the world.

Almost all World Cups held so far have been organised by India.

It would be the second major development in kabaddi this year as the first pro kabaddi league is also in pipeline and is expected to be held this July in Lahore. Strawberry Sports Management are the league owners.

According to the organisers, foreign players have also shown interest in the league.

Pakistan had hosted Asian Championship last year in POF Wah Cantt.