Kabaddi team to resume training

KARACHI: Pakistan’s men kabaddi team will resume its preparation from next week in Islamabad for the Asian Games, which will be held in Jakarta (Indonesia) from August 18 to September 2.

“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 (PKF) secretary Mohammad Sarwar told ‘The News’ from Islamabad on Monday.

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

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

Sarwar said that the recently concluded SKL would help PKF to select the best players for the Asian Games. “The SKL made the things easier for us as we have come to know who are the best and it will help us in selection for the Asiad. The experience of the SKL will help the boys and they are expected to extend mature performance in the Asian Games,” Sarwar said.There is also the possibility of a joint training camp between Pakistan and Iran kabaddi teams ahead of the Games.

“There is definitely a chance of such a joint training camp between the two nations in June-July. But the issue is that Iran want us to come to Tehran while we want them to come to Pakistan. Let’s see what happens,” Sarwar said.

Pakistan had recently won silver medal in a five-nation event in Iran, a performance which has created the hope that the country has a solid chance to finish at least with the silver medal in the Asian Games in which Pakistan are expected to feature in around 30 disciplines.

The PKF also has a plan to host an international tournament in Faisalabad in July in which India would also be invited.“Yes there is certainly the plan to hold an international event in Faisalabad in June. India will also be extended invitation. I don’t think it will feature. But Iran, Korea, Sri Lanka, Iraq and most probably Kenya will be part of the competitions,” Sarwar said.

However, this tournament is yet to be finalised because of the expected event which is being planned by another body in Dubai.“Another body is also planning to hold a tournament in Dubai in June-July. If it is not finalised then we will announce our own event to be held in Faisalabad,” 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 10 teams featured. Ten foreign players were also part of the league. 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 also expressed their desire to purchase franchises. I think this is certainly a great achievement and it will add to the strength of kabaddi in future,” Sarwar said.