Kabaddi World Cup: Key player ill ahead of Pakistan’s final group clash

Obaidullah has fever but should recover in time, says coach.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s world-record holder raider Lala Obaidullah is suffering from fever but coach Tahir Waheed believes that the talisman will be able to recover in time for the crucial matches of the 3rd Kabaddi World Cup being played in India.

Obaidullah was instrumental in guiding Pakistan to their maiden Asian title against world champions India in Lahore last month and also holds the key for Pakistan’s quest to become world champions once again.

“Lala is suffering from fever which is why he wasn’t chosen in the match against Scotland,” Waheed told The Express Tribune from India. “His presence is of immense importance for Pakistan for big matches so I hope he’s fit in time for those.”

The Asian Champions had no problem in their second group match as they thrashed Scotland 61-21. They had earlier beaten Sierra Leone 55-12 and will face Italy in the last group match on December 8.

The coach believes that the strongly-built raider will be ready to take on Italy as Pakistan look likely to face Canada in the semi-finals. Waheed was confident of reaching the final where the team is likely to face India.

“We have only one thing on our mind and that is to beat India in the final just like we did in the Asia Cup. The team is playing really well as junior players have responded well to the pressure of the world cup.”

He also added that the team felt at home in India as they had been enjoying the great hospitality from the hosts.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2012.