Pakistan Green and White kabaddi teams demonstrated splendid performance beating strong Iranian and Indian kabaddi teams respectively in thrilling encounters of International Kabaddi Taakra at Zafar Ali Stadium, Sahiwal. Pakistan Green kabaddi team trounced Iran by 38-35 while Pakistan White toppled India by 38-30 points. Pakistan White will face Iran while Pakistan Green will lock horns with India in two crucial matches scheduled to be played on January 13, 2019 at Punjab Stadium in Lahore. Punjab Sports Minister Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti, Punjab Agriculture Minister Malik Noman Langrial and Director General Sports Punjab Nadeem Sarwar were the guests of honour on this occasion. They also distributed prizes among the prominent players at the end of matches. Deputy Commissioner Sahiwal Mian Zaman Wattoo, PKF Secretary General Rana Sarwar, Director Sports Hafeez Bhatti, Deputy Director Shahid Nizami, Assistant Director Raees ur Rehman and Director Tournament Shahid Faqeer Virk were also present at the venue.
While talking to media, Punjab Sports Minister Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said it’s big honour for Punjab to host International Kabaddi Taakra and restore international sports activities with most popular traditional game of kabaddi. “The International Kabaddi Taakra event is being participated by leading kabaddi teams of the world and it will help our players a lot for improving their game”.
Director General Sports Punjab Nadeem Sarwar, on this occasion said Pakistan will get several talented kabaddi players after this exciting event. “kabaddi is one of the oldest traditional games and most popular among the masses. It keeps young generation healthy and active”. DG Sports Punjab appreciated thrilling game of all the four participating teams. “International Kabaddi Taakra is a golden opportunity for Pakistan’s young players to polish their game,” he opined. Punjab Agriculture Minister Malik Noman Langrial, in his media talk thanked Sports Board Punjab for organising international kabaddi matches in Sahiwal. “Definitely, it is great distinction for our city to host world’s best kabaddi players. The top level kabaddi matches provided best entertainment to our citizens,” he added. Pakistan Green scored 38 points whereas Iranian team fought hard but could muster 35 points and lost the match by a narrow margin. Similarly, Pakistan White dominated the proceedings right from the beginning. Indian players tried their best to level the score but failed due to excellent performances of Pakistan raiders and stoppers. The sports lovers showed great passion and admired the thrilling game of top kabaddi opponents of the region. Thousands of kabaddi fans were there in the stadium to cheer participating teams.