Indian Tigers clinch victory in opening match of Baba Guru Nanak Kabaddi Cup
Asher Butt
The Sir Sabz Baba Guru Nanak
International Circle Style Kabaddi Cup 2025 began on a thrilling note as the
Indian Tigers edged out the Lions of Tabriz Iran with a 38-34 victory in the
opening match at the WAPDA Sports Complex in Lahore.
The three-day tournament, organized by the
Pakistan Kabaddi Federation and Fatima Fertilizer, runs from April 16 to April
18 and features teams from Pakistan, India, and Iran.
The opening match between India's SPGC Tigers
and Iran's Lions of Tabriz provided an exciting spectacle for kabaddi fans,
setting the stage for an action-packed tournament. India’s narrow win reflected
their skill and determination, while Iran displayed resilience in a closely
fought encounter.
The second day of the event promises more
enthralling matchups between Pakistan Eagles and Indian Tigers. While in the second
match, Pakistan Eagles face Lions of Tabriz Iran
The top two teams at the end of the group stage
will face off in the tournament final on April 18.
The tournament was inaugurated with a grand
ceremony attended by Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik
Faisal Ayub Khokhar, who celebrated kabaddi as a cultural emblem of Punjab and
Pakistan. Addressing the audience, he emphasized the role of such international
competitions in promoting regional harmony, friendship, and youth engagement.
Kabaddi is a traditional and immensely popular
grassroots sport in Punjab, the Minister stated. “Events like this not only
inspire passion for sports but also foster tourism and cultural exchange.”
Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar announced plans to
establish an endowment fund for kabaddi players and provide scholarships to
athletes excelling in the sport. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment
to organizing more national and international competitions to elevate kabaddi’s
global recognition.
Rana Muhammad Sarwar, Secretary General of the
Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, lauded Chaudhry Shafi Hussain’s efforts in
facilitating collaboration with Indian and Iranian kabaddi federations. He
highlighted the foolproof security measures in place and welcomed foreign
teams, underscoring Pakistan's safety as a host nation for international
events.
Rabeel Sadozai, Director Marketing and Sales at
Fatima Fertilizer, praised the tournament as a celebration of shared heritage
and cultural unity. “This event not only honors the sport of kabaddi but also
brings nations closer,” he remarked.
“The Sir Sabz Baba Guru Nanak Kabaddi Cup
stands as a symbol of sports diplomacy and cultural exchange. The tournament
has already garnered immense enthusiasm, with fans eagerly looking forward to
the upcoming matches as the teams compete for glory on the kabaddi mat,” stated
Sarwar.
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