Kabaddi World Cup opens at Punjab Stadium

LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Pervaiz Elahi has said that Ch Zahoor Elahi Shaheed had laid the foundation of Kabaddi game in Pakistan 42 years ago and used to hold Kabaddi matches every year. Therefore, he said, he welcomed all guest teams from the depth of his heart and prayed that this event should write history.

Earlier, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar inaugurated first Kabaddi World Cup in Pakistan at Punjab Stadium on Sunday, saying that it was a great honour for the Punjab government to host the tournament.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ch Pervaiz Elahi said that the arrival of India, England, Australia, Canada, Azerbaijan, Germany, Iran, Kenya, Sierra Leon teams in Pakistan has proved his dream come true.

He said the role of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Sports Board Punjab and Pakistan Kabaddi Federation was very important, adding that Kabaddi was

our culture, which was played in villages, and he very enthusiastically watched the match.

He said late Khawaja Muhammad Ali and present Secretary Rana Muhammad Sarwar have a great role in popularising the game of Kabaddi. He said name of Pakistan is regarded as that of brotherhood, after cricket, Kabaddi will also become very popular in Pakistan.

President Pakistan Kabaddi Federation Ch Shafay Hussain in his welcome address said that for making possible holding of World Cup for the first time in Pakistan Chief Minister, Speaker Punjab Assembly and Provincial Minister for Sports deserve congratulation. He said all teams will love and appreciate Kabaddi and hospitality of people of Pakistan.