LAHORE: The Iranian kabaddi squad arrived in Lahore to feature in the 40th National Kabaddi Championship which will start at the cycling velodrome in Nishtar Park Sports Complex here from Wednesday.

However, Iranian team’s all matches will be of exhibition status and it will be awarded with medals separately.

In the first match, Iran will face Punjab on Wednesday in the five-day event.

Vice-president of the Iranian Kabaddi Federation Majid Bahrami, on this occasion said: “Pakistan is our second home. We learn our kabaddi from Pakistan and our players will improve their kabaddi skills after this tour.

“Pakistani people are very sincere and sports loving. Punjab government has made excellent security and other arrangements during our stay in Pakistan,” Majid further said.

Secretary Pakistan Kabaddi Federation Mohammad Sarwar said Sports Board Punjab has completed all the arrangements for the National Kabaddi Championship.

“Kabaddi is our traditional game and Sports Board Punjab will continue to extend every kind of cooperation for the promotion of kabaddi,” he added.

Deputy Director Sports Board Punjab Hafeez Bhatti said Pakistan has cordial relations with Iran and the visit of their kabaddi team will be beneficial for Pakistan players.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2018