Asian Games: Pak kabaddi players to resume training next week

KARACHI: Pakistan’s men kabaddi team will resume its preparation from next week in Islamabad for the Asian Games which are pencilled in for August 18 to September 2 in Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang.

“The camp had been stopped for the Super Kabaddi League (SKL) and we are going to resume it next week in Islamabad,” Pakistan Kabaddi Federation’s (PKF) secretary Mohammad Sarwar told ‘The News’ from Islamabad on Monday.

In the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, Pakistan claimed bronze medal in kabaddi, a performance which did not suit the stature of the Green-shirts who are the world’s second best side — after India who rules the kabaddi world.

Sarwar admits that Pakistan’s performance in the last edition was not good and hopes that this time the team would live up to the expectations. “I hope we will do much better this time,” said Sarwar, also the secretary of Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF).

He said that the recently concluded SKL would help PKF select the best players for the Asian Games. “The SKL made things easier for us as we now know who the best players are. It will help us in selection for the Asian Games. The experience of the SKL will help the boys and they are expected to perform better in the Asian Games,” Sarwar said.

Ahead of the Asian Games there is also the possibility of a joint training camp of Pakistan and Iran kabaddi teams. “There is definitely a chance of a joint training camp in June and July. But Iran wants us to visit Tehran and we want them to come here. Let’s see what happens,” Sarwar said.

Pakistan recently won silver medal in a five-nation event in Iran.The PKF also plans to host an international tournament in Faisalabad in July in which India would also be invited.

“Yes, there is certainly a plan to hold an international event in Faisalabad in June. India will also be invited. I don’t think they will feature. But Iran, Korea, Sri Lanka, Iraq and most probably Kenya will be part of the competitions,” Sarwar said.

This tournament is yet to be finalised because of an event likely to be held in Dubai. “Another body is planning to hold an event in Dubai in June and July. If it is not finalised then we will announce our event,” Sarwar said.

About the SKL, which was the first professional league organised by Strawberry Sports Management recently in Lahore, Sarwar said it was a big initiative and hopefully the next year it would be more attractive.

“It’s a great success that in the first edition ten teams featured. Ten foreign players were part of the contests. Several foreign players were not picked as one team had to pick only one foreign player. More foreign players have shown interest to become part of the next edition. “Similarly, more parties have expressed their desire to purchase franchises. This is certainly a great achievement and it will add to the strength of kabaddi in future,” Sarwar said.