The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) has officially approved the budget for the upcoming Kabaddi events set to take place this year. The decision was made during the General Council meeting, presided over by Federation President and Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chaudhry Shafie Hussain.
Tri-Country Kabaddi Tournament Announced
In a significant announcement, Chaudhry Shafie Hussain revealed that Pakistan will host a tri-country Kabaddi tournament in April. The prestigious Baba Guru Nanak Kabaddi Cup will see participation from three leading Kabaddi nations—Pakistan, India, and Iran. This tournament aims to foster international sports relations and promote the traditional South Asian sport on a global scale.
Efforts to Include the Indian Kabaddi Team
Speaking on the challenges of sports diplomacy, Chaudhry Shafie Hussain highlighted that despite Kabaddi being a popular sport in both Pakistan and India, the Modi government has historically refrained from sending its teams to Pakistan. However, he emphasized that efforts will be made to ensure India’s participation in the upcoming event. “Sports play a crucial role in strengthening ties between countries, and Kabaddi is a shared passion across borders,” he stated.
Pakistan’s Growing Influence in Kabaddi
Pakistan has been actively promoting Kabaddi on international platforms. The country has previously hosted and participated in major tournaments, securing its place among the top Kabaddi-playing nations. The Baba Guru Nanak Kabaddi Cup is expected to attract significant attention from sports enthusiasts and the media, further solidifying Pakistan’s position in the sport.
Iran’s Growing Presence in Kabaddi
Iran, which has consistently performed well in international Kabaddi events, is also set to participate in the tournament. The country has emerged as a strong competitor in both traditional and circle-style Kabaddi, making its inclusion in the tri-nation event highly anticipated.
Event Preparations and Expectations
With the approval of the budget, preparations for the tournament are in full swing. The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation is expected to announce further details, including the venue, team line-ups, and match schedule in the coming weeks.
The Baba Guru Nanak Kabaddi Cup is expected to bring thrilling action to Kabaddi fans while also serving as an opportunity to strengthen sportsmanship and international camaraderie.
