Buzdar opens Kabaddi World Cup

LAHORE:Speaker Punjab Assembly Ch Pervaiz Elahi has said that Ch Zahoor Elahi Shaheed had laid the foundation of Kabaddi game in Pakistan 42 years ago and used to hold Kabaddi matches every year. Therefore, he said, he welcomed all guest teams from the depth of his heart and prayed that this event should write history.

Earlier, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar inaugurated first Kabaddi World Cup in Pakistan at Punjab Stadium on Sunday, saying that it was a great honour for the Punjab government to host the tournament.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ch Pervaiz Elahi said that the arrival of India, England, Australia, Canada, Azerbaijan, Germany, Iran, Kenya, Sierra Leon teams in Pakistan has proved his dream come true. He said the role of Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, Sports Board Punjab and Pakistan Kabaddi Federation was very important, adding that Kabaddi was our culture, which was played in villages, and he very enthusiastically watched the match.

He said late Khawaja Muhammad Ali and present Secretary Rana Muhammad Sarwar have a great role in popularising the game of Kabaddi. He said name of Pakistan is regarded as that of brotherhood, after cricket, Kabaddi will also become very popular in Pakistan.

President Pakistan Kabaddi Federation Ch Shafay Hussain in his welcome address said that for making possible holding of World Cup for the first time in Pakistan Chief Minister, Speaker Punjab Assembly and Provincial Minister for Sports deserve congratulation. He said all teams will love and appreciate Kabaddi and hospitality of people of Pakistan.

Afterwards, the chief minister presented memorial shields to Speaker Punjab Assembly and President Pakistani Kabaddi Federation Ch Shafay Hussain whereas Minister for Sports Rai Taimur Bhatti also presented memorial shields to the Chief Minister and the Speaker.

Security: CCPO Zulfiqar Hameed visited Punjab Stadium on the eve of World Kabaddi Tournament and reviewed security arrangements.

DIG Operations Rai Babar Saeed and SP Model Town briefed the CCPO on security measures devised by the police. CCPO directed for ensuring implementation of security plan in letter and spirit. He said more than 5,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed for peaceful tournament. Eighteen SPs, 31 DSPs, 76 sub-inspectors and 367 junior officers are supervising the event. Snipers have been deployed on tall buildings. He said CCTV cameras were being monitored around Punjab Stadium. Zulfiqar Hameed while quoting recent Pakistan-Bangladesh T20 series said that Lahore police was committed to promoting international sports in Lahore. “Glad to see that important events are taking place in Lahore simultaneously,” he said. In next phase, he said, Lahore police was preparing plan for upcoming PSL matches.

public relief: Usman Buzdar said on Sunday that as the economy got stabled now the government focus was on providing relief to the people. In a statement, he said the government was making the all-out effort to control inflation. He said, Opposition which is used to do a politics of unrest, itself is facing chaos. The chief minister said the incumbent government under the able leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan was endeavouring for the improvement of economy and resolving the people’s problems. The government would fulfill all its promises made with the people, he maintained. Usman Buzdar said the PTI relations with its allies were exemplary.