Pakistan, Iran win as Kabaddi WC rolls into action

LAHORE: Pakistan and Iran won their day’s matches in the Kabaddi World Cup whichgot under way here at Punjab Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan thrashed Canada by a big margin of 64-24 in the opening match of circle style Kabaddi World Cup 2020 at Punjab Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan’s kabaddi players Lala Obaidullah, skipper Irfan Mana, Bilal Javed and Khalid Bhatti exhibited excellent performance and played major role in Pakistan’s huge triumph.

Pakistan raiders and stoppers took control of the match right from the beginning and did not give their opponents any room to settle down. The Canadian team tried their best but they can accumulate only 24 points.

The second match of first day was played between Iran and Sierra Leone. Iran toppled Sierra Leone by a huge difference of 60-19.Earlier, Kabaddi World Cup 2020 exploded into action with a grand colourful opening ceremony.Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervez Elahi were the guests of honour at the opening ceremony. Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar declared the beginning of Kabaddi World Cup during his brief speech.

Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti, Vice-Chairman SBP Rao Zahid Qayyum, Secretary Sports Punjab Ehsan Bhutta, Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh, President Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Ch Shafay Hussain, Secretary PKF Rana Sarwar and captains of all participating teams were also present on this occasion.

Earlier, attractive lighting show, dance and songs were presented during the opening ceremony. Folk singers also presented melodious songs. The Punjab Stadium was also decorated with eye-catching lights and banners.