Pakistan gearing up for kabaddi event

Seven-nation tournament to be held in Lahore from November 1.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) is gearing up to host the Asia Kabaddi Cup at the Punjab Stadium, in what will be the first major international event in Lahore since the gun attack on the touring Sri Lankan team in March 2009.

The event was initially scheduled to start on October 29 but has now been moved to November 1 after a request by the Punjab government. PKF Secretary Muhammad Sarwar was hopeful the tournament will prove to be a success.

“The main purpose is to host the event successfully since it’s the first international event in Lahore for more than three years,” Sarwar told The Express Tribune. “We have full support from the Punjab government as far as providing security is concerned and they are in constant contact with the home department.”

The official added that teams from India, Sri Lanka, Iran, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Nepal have confirmed their arrival.

“Nepal will arrive today while India will be coming tomorrow through the Wagah border. Pakistan have a good chance of winning the title as they have done their homework. The players will try and make sure they
don’t disappoint the home crowd.”

He stated that the federation’s open trial policy has helped them in unearthing talented players, who will be given a chance in the upcoming event. “Our preparation has been good and the induction of some new players would give our unit a fresher feel.”

Sarwar also stressed that the PKF will come down hard on the doping issue, adding that random and targeted tests will be conducted during the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2012.