ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army outclassed Navy in the final to keep the Asian Style National Kabaddi Championship title here at Hamidi Hall on Wednesday.

Army overpowered their opponents 39-14 in the indoor clash.

Nasir Ali-led Army dominated the proceedings right form the start and led 24-6 at half time.

They continued the excellent show in the second half adding 15 points to their tally. Navy displayed improved performance claiming eight points, but to no avail.

Army’s international players Waseem Sajjad and Captain Nasir Ali exhibiting superb show proved the main difference between the two teams. The duo were supported by Aqeel Ahmed and Qaiser Khan in steering Army to the impressive win.

“I’m very happy over this victory,” said a jubilant Nasir while talking to Dawn. “My team made efforts to retain the title; hard work always pays off and same happened here.”

Nasir, who participated in the Indian Pro Kabaddi League twice, said that he got a lot of exposure from featuring in the league.

To a query, he reckoned there was no need of holding labaddi league in Pakistan.

“[Rather] we should focus on developing the game at gross roots level. Unfortunately, there is no trend of playing this traditional game at school and college level. We should think and try to improve in this area,” said Nasir.

Meanwhile, Waseem Sajjad said Pakistan team had been eying the upcoming South Asian Games to be held in India in January.

“Though, India is a better team we will try our best to overcome them and bring laurel to the country,” he said, adding that Indian players had better playing opportunities than those possessed by their Pakistan counterparts.

In the pro-Kabaddi League, Waseem said, 25 international and 150 Indian players participated.

“Every year over 50 teams take part in India’s national championship. On the other hand, in Pakistan only around a dozen teams compete. So, to reduce this difference, we should be given maximum number of events in Pakistan,” he appealed. PSB director general Dr Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera graced the final as chief guest. He distributed the prizes amongst the players.

Rana Mohammad Sarwar, secretary of the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, and a number of other top PSB officials were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, October 15th , 2015

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