ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Kabaddi Federation will organise the Pakistan International Kabaddi Cup in December this year provided the coronavirus pandemic comes under control, PKF secretary general Mohammad Sarwar Rana said on Monday.

Talking to Dawn, Sarwar said six countries including hosts Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Iran, Canada and Australia will participate in the said event. “Later, one more team could be added.”

Sarwar said that two tentative dates are being planned to hold the said event, adding that the PKF wants to hold the event in December this year in Islamabad. “Otherwise it will be held in March 2021 at the same venue provided the number of coronavirus cases decline to allow sports organisers to hold events.”

The PKF secretary general said consent from all the participating countries has been received, adding “they are waiting to get green signal from the PKF to participate in the event”.

“We are thankful to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) for their role to get the hosting rights of this event for Pakistan and the PKF,” he said.

Sarwar also praised PKF president Chaudhry Shafay Hussain for his role in promoting the game of kabaddi in Pakistan.

He also thanked IPC minister Dr Fehmida Mirza for awarding kabaddi players for their brilliant performance in the South Asian Games and releasing special annual grant for the PKF.

“Without support from the IPC minister and the PSB we can’t hold mega events. We expect full support of the PSB for the Pakistan International Kabaddi Cup as well,” he said.

Commenting on the players’ preparation for Pakistan Cup, Sarwar said they are currently doing practice individually, adding the PKF is in contact with them.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2020