Pakistan win silver in World Beach Kabaddi Championship but concerns linger

Pakistan failed to deliver when it mattered the most as they were conquered by hosts Iran in the final of the first World Beach Kabaddi Championship in Bandar Anzali late Sunday night.

It was a tough fight with either side putting in their best but it was Iran who managed to capitalize on the home advantage.

Pakistan gave a tough time to the Iranians but failed to prevent them from lifting the crown in Beach Kabaddi, which requires strength and stamina more than the skills. Iran won the contest 41-35.

Earlier on the same day, Pakistan defeated Iraq 58-21 to set a final date with Iran.

Pakistan showcased solid performance in Group B by beating Palestine, Kenya, Germany and Lebanon to qualify for the semi-finals.

Iran defeated Kenya in the semi-finals. The home side also defeated Nepal, Turkmenistan and Denmark enroute on their way into the semi-finals.

India, who would have been one of the major title contenders, missed the event as International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) have banned its federation for its failure to hold the elections.

How Pakistan can revive its kabaddi

A senior coach of Pakistan team Badshah Gul has said that, in order to revive kabaddi, working at the grassroots level is important.

“If you have no nursery how you can develop your kabaddi,” Badshah Gul told Nukta in an interview.

“We have just three departments including WAPDA, Army and Navy who are playing a role in the kabaddi development. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) mostly now focuses on circle kabaddi. We will need to take it into schools if we are to develop nursery,” Gul said.

Pakistan organized Super Kabaddi League (SKL) for the first time in 2018. However, due to rift between federation and the sponsor company the event could not be sustained.

Foreign players also played in that league. For the last few years, right from Covid-19 and onwards, Pakistan kabaddi players suffered a lot as they did not get ample international exposure. They did not earn money as they used to do in the past when they once also used to feature in India’s Pro Kabaddi League.

However, due to strained relations between the two neighboring nations now no Pakistani player is allowed in India’s league.

Why are India and Iran so good?

Gul also spoke about the reasons behind Iran’s progress in the sport.

“Iran has made great progress in the Asian style. It has under-13, Under-16, Under-19, Under-21 and senior teams. Their club structure is too strong and it also holds inter-states events. Iran also has an internal league in which no foreign player is allowed. Iran does not show to the people its senior team and opponents usually see them in competitions. You cannot pick skills from Iran because it works on its unit with a peculiar strategy,” Gul revealed.

“The other thing is that in Iran government backs kabaddi too much. The federation also has engaged corporate sector and that is why its standard is going up as the time progresses,” he added.

Indian kabaddi team in action.International Olympic Committee

Gul also touted India as a top team in Kabaddi while highlighting the numerous competitions that take place in the country.

“India, no doubt, is a force in kabaddi. In India kabaddi is played in schools from the primary level and that is why they have massive nursery. They have so many competitions and their Pro League, which is held over a period of four and a half months every year, helps kabaddi a lot,” Gul said.