PM Imran, President Alvi congratulate Pakistan on winning Kabaddi World Cup

Men in Green became world champion for first time ever after beating India 43-41 in final

Pakistan beat India 43-41 on Sunday in the final of the Kabaddi World Cup to become the world champions for the first time.

Pakistan were crowned with the beautifully designed winner’s trophy at the Punjab Stadium as they emerged the victor in the final of the 2020 Kabaddi World Cup. Pakistan bagged Rs10 million in prize money, while the runners-up India received Rs7.5 million.

The men in green gave the crowd a moment to cherish as they made the traditional rivals bite the dust at their home ground. In doing so, they sent out the message loud and clear that Pakistan is a safe place to visit, play and rejoice.

Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated the team on this occasion by tweeting: "Congratulations to the Pakistan Kabbadi team for winning the Kabbadi World Cup after defeating India."

Congratulations to the Pakistan Kabbadi team for winning the Kabbadi World Cup after defeating India.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 17, 2020

Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi dedicated the win to peace in the region. "Congratulations to the Pakistan Kabaddi team for winning the #KabaddiWorldCup2020. We should dedicate this win to 'peace' in the region and the world. You have made us proud."

Congratulations to the Pakistan Kabaddi team for winning the #KabaddiWorldCup2020. We should dedicate this win to 'peace' in the region and the world. You have made us proud.

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) February 16, 2020

Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa also congratulated the team and said that both finalists 'deserve to be applauded'.

"COAS extends felicitations to Pakistan team on winning Kabaddi World Cup 2020. All participating teams performed well. Both finalists, competing in true spirit of the game, displayed exceptionally high standard of expertise in a closely contested game and deserve to be applauded."

COAS extends felicitations to Pakistan team on winning Kabaddi World Cup 2020. All participating teams performed well. Both finalists, competing in true spirit of the game, displayed exceptionally high standard of expertise in a closely contested game and deserve to be applauded

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) February 16, 2020

Earlier, after the victory, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation secretary general Rana Muhammad Sarwar told AFP, "We are grateful to all the nations which made this event colourful. We should not let sports and culture become a victim of politics."

The team was also congratulated by people from all circles of life including cricketers, politicians and artists.