The eight players, shortlisted after a divisional tournament in Faisalabad, are Shafiq Butt and Sajjad Gujjar of Wapda, Paf’s Lala Obaidullah, Mohsin Naseer, Shabbir Gujjar, Mohammad Nawaz, Sadiq Butt and Matloob Ahmed.
Khurshid Alam Sindhu, owner of the International Kabaddi and Sports Club, Alberta which the players will represent, said he was impressed by Pakistan, ranked number two in the world.
“Faisalabad produces the best Kabaddi athletes,” Sindhu told The Express Tribune. “It’ll be my pleasure that these players represent my club.
“Kabaddi is a popular game in North America among the South Asian community and our club features the best athletes from Pakistan.”
According to Nawaz, who will participate in his first tournament abroad, the offer is a dream come true.“It’s a huge break for me,” said Nawaz. “Most athletes are content with local tournaments, but if we get access to the international arena, I’m sure the sport will grow and people will stop making fun of our game.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 10th, 2011.
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