10 nations to feature in Kabaddi WC, says Sarwar

KARACHI: As many as ten nations, including India, have been finalised to feature in Kabaddi World Cup (circle style) to be hosted by Pakistan from January 12-19 at three different

venues.

“Yes we had received entries from around 18 nations but we have finalised ten nations on the basis of rankings,” Pakistan Kabaddi Federation’s (PKF) secretary Rana Sarwar told ‘The News’ on Wednesday.

This is the first time that Pakistan will be hosting the world showpiece.India is also among ten nations which is expected to be part of the event. “Yes India is also there,” the official said. “Currently besides Pakistan, India, Canada, United States, Australia, England, Iran, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Azerbaijan have been finalised,” he said.

“Among those others who have also sent entries include Norway, Germany, Uganda and Argentina,” Sarwar was quick to add.Both Pakistan and India are considered the world’s two powerful kabaddi nations (circle style). If India, which is the top seed, comes then it will really put a lot of life in the global event which will be conducted at Lahore, Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib. “Arrangements have almost been completed and visa process has also started,” said Sarwar, also secretary of Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF).

‘Both the opening and closing ceremonies will be held at Lahore’s Punjab Stadium,” Sarwar said.The ten nations will be bracketed in two groups with the leading two sides from each pool qualifying for the semi-finals, according to Sarwar. Sarwar said that Creative Sports Agency is the exclusive partner for the competitions. “If any nation is unable to come due to certain reasons then the nation which follows in ranking will be considered,” he said.

He said that as per rules four or five-star accommodation would be provided to the competing teams. “It is a resource-intensive exercise and we need a huge budget,” said Sarwar, also a former Pakistan captain. The winners will take away a purse of Rs 10 million with the runners-up to receive Rs7.5 million. The third position holder will get Rs 5million.

Sarwar expects both Pakistan and India in the final.“If India plays then certainly we both nations can qualify for the final,” Sarwar said. Pakistan team has been practising at the Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad since December 2.

“We have invited 26 players for the camp as we will have to finalise a final 14-member team. However if any player feels that he deserves then he can report and he will be tested. Its open for everyone,” Sarwar said. Coaches Fayyaz Ali, Tahir Waheed and Shehzad Hanif are supervising the camp. A physio is also there,” Sarwar said.

Sarwar, who remained Pakistan captain for a decade, also gives instructions to the players.“Yes I also guide the players whenever I go to the camp,” Sarwar said. When asked why Karachi was not given any game Sarwar said then it would add to the burden.

“It will add to the required budget. And at this time it is very difficult to consider Karachi as district-wise visas are given to the competing teams. In future we will surely hold national and other major events in Karachi and we will be hoping a strong support from the Sindh government,” Sarwar said. To a query about the pathetic showing of Pakistan team in the 13th South Asian Games in Nepal Sarwar said the team hardly got a four or five days for combined training.

“You know due to National Games our team did not get combined training and that damaged us. Had we got a two-week training still we could have lived up to the billing,” Sarwar said. Pakistan was upset by Sri Lanka and then lost to India in Nepal to settle for a bronze.