ISLAMABAD: A three-day wrestling and musical event that brought international wrestlers to the capital concluded Friday evening at Jinnah Stadium.

International wrestler Badshah Pehlwan Khan and musicians Aima Baig and Asrar were the main attraction at the closing event, which was attended by residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Organised by Ring of Pakistan (ROP), the event featured 10 wrestlers from various European countries and the United States.

They included Chris Masters, Tiny Iron and Drake Destroyer, as well as Badshah Khan, a French wrestler of Pakistani origin, who defended his title after beating American Chris Masters.

The live wrestling was accompanied by commentary from SoCal Val, an international commentator, and powerful sound and lighting.

The stadium roared with chants for Pakistan and Badshah Khan when the wrestler entered the ring. Pakistani wrestlers Inam Butt, Tayyab Tiger and Ijaz Jazi also participated in the event and announced that their fans would soon see them in the ring with professional wrestlers.

“The real image of Pakistan is a soft image. We want to portray our real image through this event,” ROP Chairman Pir Syed Asim Ali Shah said on Friday. He said more such events would be organised in Pakistan.

There was also something for music lovers, as the three-day event featured live performances by Aima Baig, Sahir Ali Bagga, Asrar, Gul Panra, Nimra and Bilal Saeed.

“We are enjoying it very much. I am watching a live wrestling match for the first time. It seems like we are sitting somewhere in Europe,” Rawalpindi resident Alyas Khan told Dawn.

He said such events should be organised under the government’s patronage to promote a softer image of the country and provide people with health activities.

“Now we have a good chance to convince international cricket teams to visit Pakistan. If international wrestlers, tennis players, squash players etc can visit Pakistan, why not cricketers,” Mr Khan said.

Another wrestling fan, Rashid Ali, had come to see Badshah Khan.

“Tonight I saw him live... It is amazing,” he said.

This was the third international wrestling event in Pakistan, and its organisers are planning another for this year.

Sources said the organisers faced a loss organising the large event, because fewer people bought tickets than they estimated.

However, ROP’s Imran Shah said the main objective of the event was to provide people with healthy entertainment.

“We achieved our target by providing healthy entertainment facilities to people. As far as financial losses are concerned, we are not considering a loss but rather it is an investment. In events to come we are hopeful that we will get [a bigger] response,” he said.

He added that Pakistani wrestlers will also participate in upcoming events, as they are training for professional wrestling as well.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2019