PESHAWAR, Oct 9: Pakistan national coach and former Asian and SAF gold medallist Muhammad Sarwar has said that Pakistan was among top three countries of the world in kabaddi and with proper coaching it could obtain number one slot.

Sarwar, who also coached the current Asian champion, Iran said that the love for the country brought him back to Pakistan.

He wanted to start talent hunt schemes in various parts of the country and claimed that the Asian style of kabaddi is more popular in the world. The game originated in India that treated it as its national heritage.

Currently Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Khazakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Indonesia, Germany and Australia are playing in the same style.

He underlined the need for giving full importance to the game so that the talented Pakistan kabaddi players could win more laurels for the country.

Sarwar said Pakistan won gold medal at international kabaddi tournament in 1993 in which many countries participated.

He said, kabaddi was introduced in Pakistan at national level in 1985, but its popularity in the rural areas had made it possible to win gold medal in 1989 and 1993.

He said technically the Pakistanis and Indians were stronger in the game but due to lack of infrastructure and patronage at official level, the game has lost charm for the youth.

He said, Pakistan clinched two silver medals at Asian and a bronze medal in international sports while Iran through concerted efforts soon became the Asian champion.-APP