PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Indian Kabaddi Federation chief Gurmel Singh believes kabaddi plays the role of a bridge that connects Indians and Pakistanis, adding that the two countries should host more events every year.
Singh, along with the officials and players of four other countries — Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka — is at Wah, competing in the 33rd Circle Style Asian Kabaddi Cup 2016.
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“It’s good to be here; we came to Pakistan in 2012 last time so we’re comfortable here,” Singh told The Express Tribune. “Our players like to play against Pakistan, and competing here is not that different. In fact, the kabaddi style is the same in both Punjabs, and I hope we hold more bilateral events soon.”
He added that the sport deserves to be taken more seriously than just being grouped with ‘traditional’ games.
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Singh said that so far, the Indian contingent of 24 members is comfortable and impressed with the security arrangements.
In the opening matches, Pakistan defeated Iran 47-22, India outplayed Sri Lanka 45-21 and Afghanistan thrashed Nepal 40-11.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2016.
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