Pakistan, India to fight for third place in rugby

Neighbours lose to Lebanon, Uzbekistan in opening matches respectively.

KARACHI: Archrivals Pakistan and India will play with their utmost strength for the third place playoff in the Asian Five Nations (A5N) Rugby Tournament Division III West in Lahore on Sunday.

Top-seeded India lost to Uzbekistan 23-17 in the opening game of the event on Thursday night, while Pakistan were downed 17-3 by Lebanon in the second semi-final.

“We dominated Lebanon 6-3 at half-time, but we gave way in the end,” Pakistan captain Arsalan Zahid told The Express Tribune. “However, I know that all players performed with all their heart.

“The last time we lost to Lebanon, the score-line was 44-12. So I believe that we have improved.”



Despite the loss, Zahid said that the tournament still holds special importance for the team since it is being hosted at their home ground.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan won the match with a weaker Indian side, as 11 of their departmental players did not get the No-Objection Certificate from their interior ministry to travel to Pakistan.

“I think that this can be a good chance for us to finally defeat India at our home ground,” said Zahid.

‘Holding international events a challenge’

Pakistan Rugby Union President Fawzi Khwaja said that all the Indian players had been issued their visas, but 11 of them were unable to visit Pakistan due to their own internal problems.

“It’s a challenge to hold an international event,” said Khwaja. “We have to ensure security of not only the players, but also the officials coming from Asian Rugby Union countries.

“However, I believe that no team can grow without getting an opportunity to play at home. We are one of the few sports in Pakistan who are hosting international events; this should send a positive message to other federations in the country so that they step up their efforts in bringing foreign teams here.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21^st, 2014.

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