Pakistan women kabaddi team would aim to topple archrivals India, among other teams, in their maiden World Cup appearance. PHOTO: AFP
Sixteen young Pakistani women will make history this weekend as they compete in the Kabaddi world cup – this is the first time that a national women’s team will be fielded in an international Kabaddi tournament.
The traditional sub-continent sport is hugely popular in the Punjab provinces of India and Pakistan, where it originates, and is played in countries around the world with South Asian populations.
It has traditionally been seen as a macho sport but now Pakistan is sending a women’s team to the November 30-December 14 World Cup in India.
For 24-year-old Sayeda Fareeda Khanum, who comes from a conservative, religious family where she fought for years to be allowed to compete in sports, the tour is realisation of an old dream.
“I have been sports crazy since childhood but I was never allowed by my family to attend a training camp outside college or university,” said Khanum. “But when I got selected for the Kabaddi team, I told my mother that I would play this sport at any cost and left home to join the camp in Lahore.”
Khanum, who is believed to be team’s best defender, echoed similar sentiments.”Getting the national colours was my childhood dream. I am going to India to make a do-or-die battle for my nation,” she said.
India and Pakistan, have met in two of the three men’s world cup finals held so far, with India prevailing both times. The women are determined to succeed where their male counterparts have failed.
“We decided to participate in this team for the sake of Pakistan, and for the sake of true patriotism. And we have tried our level best, and by the will of God we will succeed,” said vice-captain Sumera Zahoor, who comes from a martial arts background.
Half of the team has already represented various other sports like athletics, weightlifting and racket games, while a few new players with the right attitude and ambitions have also earned a place in the team.
“All the girls come from different games, some are from athletics, some are weightlifters,” said the team’s coach Aisha Qazi.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 1st, 2013.
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Its an Indian game,why pakistan want to copy our game as they never like to copy any other thing ?
Best of luck girls....India-Pakistan Final will be a treat to watch...
Pakistani women likes Indian Kabaddi games !
Its high time we need to replace cricket............and womens Kabaddi would be a fit replacement.