Pakistan sets sights on World Beach Kabaddi Championship

With India facing suspension due to electoral issues back home, Pakistan will return to a major beach kabaddi event after eight years when they will feature in the 1st Senior World Beach Kabaddi Championship penciled in for September 25-30 in Anzali Port, Gilan, Iran.

India’s kabaddi governing body (AKFI) is under the control of administrator and legal battle is in progress.

In July this year, International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) barred India from featuring in international events over the AKFI’s failure to form an elected body to handle the country’s kabaddi affairs.

India is a big name in the sport and its senior men’s team has to its credit two Asian Beach Games crowns out of five editions which have been conducted so far. Iran won the title twice and Pakistan have to their credit one crown which they wore in 2016 in Vietnam.

Pakistan’s training

As many as 16 players are under rigorous training for the global event at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad. Col. Nabeel and Faisal Qadeer are acting as coaches.

Pakistan team is likely to leave for Iran on September 24 ahead of the tournament.

Kabaddi match in progress at the Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad.Facebook/PakistanSportsBoard

Pakistan Kabaddi Federation’s (PKF) secretary Mohammad Sarwar, who is also the secretary of the Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF), said that it’s a totally new team as beach event is being held after eight long years.

“The bunch is totally new as we last featured in the Asian Beach Games in 2016 in Vietnam where we won gold. It’s difficult for players to sustain for so long,” Sarwar told Nukta.

Pakistan had downed India 30-28 in the final of the Asian Beach Games held in Vietnam in 2016, which was their first title.

Sarwar said that around 16 nations are expected to feature in the global affair.

“The deadline to confirm participation is September 15, so after that it will be known how many nations will be part of the global beach event,” said Sarwar, also a former Pakistan captain.