ISLAMABAD: National kabaddi champion Pakistan Air Force annexed another title when it won the final of the first edition of the Chief of Air Staff National Kabaddi Championship at the Jinnah Stadium of Pakistan Sports Complex here on Saturday.

PAF defeated Wapda 48-36.

Amid traditional drumming and support of hundreds of kabaddi lovers, the match started on fast tempo with both teams attacking each other.

It was a neck and neck final as raiders of both teams showed brilliant performance as at one stage the score was 5-5, then 8-8, and then 20-19, reflecting the way the match see-sawed. However, from there, PAF started consolidating its lead as it was 23-21 and then 27-25.

After losing some points, Wapda could not put strong resistance and started losing the grip on the match as PAF raiders continuously kept stealing the points, winning the game 48-36.

Raiders Lala Ubaidullah, Mana Jutt and Mansha Gujjar played main role in victory of their team.

While from Wapda’s side, captain Shafiq Chisti and Hira Butt played brilliantly but could not save their side from defeat.

Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Asad Abdur Rehman Khan Lodhi was the chief guest on the occasion, who distributed trophies among the winners and runners-up.

Lala Ubaidullah and Waqas Jutt were declared the best raiders while Waqas Rahim Gujjar was named the best defender of the tournament.

The chief guest appreciated the performance of both teams.

Meanwhile, Army and SNGPL, without playing the third position match, were declared winners.

Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation secretary Rana Sarwar thanked PAF, Pakistan Sports Board and other sponsors for their support in organising the 12-team competition.

“This tournament will help us in selecting the national team and young players for upcoming Pakistan Kabaddi League, which we are planning to hold next year,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Sports Board director general Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera said the PSB was ready to help PKF for holding any international event at Jinnah Stadium and indoors.

“We have the best facilities and we can easily conduct international tournaments at Jinnah Stadium and at indoor halls of the complex,” he said.

Published in Dawn December 4th, 2016