Kabaddi falls victim to Indo-Pak political tensions

Pakistan and India are widely regarded as the powerhouses of kabaddi. In the circle style, both nations have long dominated the sport with Iran trailing behind.

However, in the Asian style Iran has now emerged as a strong contender ranking just below India. While Pakistan has lost its former dominance in this format it still manages to secure third place at the continental level during years when it fails to reach the finals.

The persistent political tensions between Pakistan and India have significantly impacted the development of kabaddi in both countries, especially in Pakistan. One of the most notable setbacks came in 2016 when Pakistan was denied participation in the Kabaddi World Cup held in Ahmedabad. Since then, the absence of bilateral series has severely stifled the sport's growth.

Pakistan last hosted the Circle Style World Cup in 2020 at Lahore and won it also by beating India, the last time the neighbouring nation came to Pakistan.

Pakistan 'poles apart' from India

The Pakistani players have not participated in any major international circle style tournaments. While they occasionally take part in leagues in countries like Canada and France these opportunities offer only limited exposure and competition.

The hunger for high-level competition especially matches against India remains strong among Pakistani players. India has its own kabaddi league, providing players with both financial support and competitive platforms.

Pakistan, on the other hand, lacks a professional league, which continues to hinder the development of its athletes both in terms of skill and livelihood.

“Yes, it’s damaging the sport,” said seasoned Pakistani kabaddi player Khalid Bhatti in an interaction with Nukta.

“There used to be great hype when India and Pakistan played against each other. We participated in Indian leagues, and there was tremendous excitement. Bilateral series were frequent. But now everything seems to have faded, and hope is dwindling,” Bhatti added.

Khalid remains hopeful that with serious efforts, bilateral series between the two countries could resume on neutral venues.

“I am optimistic about the possibility of a bilateral series on a neutral venue like Dubai. You cannot compare it with cricket; kabaddi is different. If both federations make an effort, such engagements can be arranged,” said Bhatti, who also represents Pakistan’s national rugby team.

“When bilateral series were a regular feature job opportunities for kabaddi players in Pakistan were better,” he noted.

An official from the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) echoed Khalid’s concerns, acknowledging that the absence of bilateral competition and Pakistan’s exclusion from events in India have slowed the sport's growth.

“Yes, that’s a fact,” the official admitted.

The PKF official expressed interest in re-engaging with the Indian Kabaddi Federation to explore the possibility of organizing a bilateral series on a neutral venue in future.

“Yes, that could be an option. We plan to initiate talks with the new Indian Kabaddi Federation. Let’s see how it goes,” the official concluded.

Future events

However, the official also shared some promising developments.

A circle style Asian Championship is scheduled to be held in Dubai at the end of next year while an Asian style Championship is planned for Iran also next year.

As kabaddi is not included in the Islamic Games scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia in November the PKF plans to organize a training camp in preparation for the South Asian Games which will follow the National Games in Karachi this December.

Pakistan is set to host the 14th South Asian Games in late January next year in Islamabad, Lahore and Faisalabad.