Sanwal Jhakar emerges victorious in Rustam-e-Punjab Dangal

 

Sanwal Jhakar emerges victorious in Rustam-e-Punjab Dangal

Asher Butt

In a thrilling and closely contested 34-minute bout, Sanwal Jhakar Pehlwan from Multan emerged victorious over Awais Tairanwala Pehlwan of Sahiwal, clinching the title of Rustam-e-Punjab Dangal at Punjab Stadium.

The event witnessed the presence of enthusiastic fans and showcased the prowess of top national wrestlers in traditional desi kushti.

 

Director General Sports Punjab, Dr. Asif Tufail, graced the occasion as the chief guest, and he awarded the winner's mace to Sanwal Jhakar Pehlwan. A substantial prize fund of Rs 26 lakh was distributed among the participating wrestlers, with Sanwal Jhakar Pehlwan receiving a cash prize of Rs 3.5 lakh, while the runner-up, Awais Tairanwala Pehlwan, pocketed Rs 2.5 lakh.

 

The title of Sher-e-Punjab was claimed by Shahzad Pachar Pehlwan, who convincingly knocked out Adnan Tairanwala Pehlwan. Both Shahzad Pachar Pehlwan and Adnan Tairanwala Pehlwan were awarded a cash prize of Rs one lakh each.

 

Director Sports Yasmeen Akhtar, Director Youth Affairs Rana Nadeem Anjum, Deputy Directors Zahoor Ahmed and Ataur Rahman, World Beach Wrestling Champion Inam Butt, and Sher-e-Punjab Shahid Khoey Wala were among the notable figures present at the event.

 

Speaking to the media, Director General Sports Punjab, Dr. Asif Tufail, emphasized the importance of Rustam-e-Punjab Dangal in the Annual Sports Calendar. He stated, "Our all sports events are being organized as per the schedule of the Annual Sports Calendar, and as per our schedule, Rustam-e-Punjab Dangal will be staged on Feb 4 next year."

 

Dr. Tufail highlighted the comprehensive nature of the Annual Sports Calendar, covering various events such as the fastest athlete competition, U-16 sports events, and senior sports events. He mentioned that the Annual Sports Calendar has become an integral part of Punjab's sports policy.

 

Commending the efforts of Sports Board Punjab in preparing the Annual Sports Calendar Programme, Dr. Asif Tufail explained that the strategy is centered on player development. "We have submitted our strategy to the government in which we have allocated 40 percent of the total budget for players and sports activities," he added.

 

Rustam-e-Punjab Dangal, organized under the auspices of Sports Board Punjab, featured a total of 35 bouts, captivating the audience with the traditional wrestling skills of top national athletes. The event kicked off the Rising Punjab Games 2024, the first event in Sports Board Punjab’s Annual Sports Calendar Programme.