Iran edge out Punjab in kabaddi opener

LAHORE: Visiting Iranian kabaddi team emerged winners against Punjab team in the opening match of 40th National Kabaddi Championship at cycling velodrome, Nishtar Park Sports Complex on Wednesday.

Iran and Punjab kabaddi teams played the opening match of the championship. Iran showed great kabaddi skills and defeated Punjab by a narrow margin of 42-41 after a thrilling competition. It’s pertinent to mention here that the top performers of the championship will be picked for national kabaddi team which will feature in future international competitions.

As many as 13 teams including Iran, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, POF Wah Cantt, Army, Railway, Wapda, Police, Sui Gas and Air Force are participating in the mega event.

While addressing the opening ceremony, Punjab Minister for Sports Jahangir Khanzada, who inaugurated the championship, said that Punjab govt under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, is doing hectic efforts for the promotion of traditional games in the province.

Khanzada said “Kabaddi is our traditional game and it’s quite popular across the country especially in rural areas. We welcomed Iran’s national kabaddi team in our National Kabaddi Championship. Their participation literally enhanced the value and credibility of our National Kabaddi Championship,” he added.

Khanzada said Pakistan has decades old friendly relations with brethren Islamic state Iran and the visit of their kabaddi team will be very useful for young kabaddi players of both the countries. “Iran has a respectable place in the field of sports at international level especially in gymnastics, wrestling and football. We want to enhance mutual relations with Iran which is definitely a need of the hour,” he added.

Highlighting the achievements of Punjab govt, Khanzada stated that Punjab govt established several sports venues in various cities of the province. “Punjab govt allocated a hefty amount for the construction of sports projects in the province. As many as 50 modern gymnasiums, 25 hockey grounds, 74 floodlight cricket grounds and sports complexes are being built in different cities. Punjab govt has established top level sports infrastructure across the province,” he informed.

Vice-President Iranian Kabaddi Federation Majid Bahrami, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Vice-President Ramzan Ghumman, Secretary Rana Sarwar and a large number of kabaddi enthusiasts were also present on this occasion.

Earlier, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Vice-President Ramzan Ghumman, Secretary Rana Sarwar and officials received the honourable Punjab Minister for Sports Jahangir Khanzada warmly. He was also introduced with the guest teams.

Results: Iran bt Punjab 42-41

HEC bt KPK 41-19,

Railways bt POF Wah 50-44,

PAF bt Sindh 60-23.