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LAHORE: Kabaddi World Cup 2020 exploded into action with a grand colourful opening ceremony at the Punjab Stadium on Sunday (Feb 9, 2020).
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervez Elahi were the guests of honour at the opening ceremony. Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar declared the beginning of Kabaddi World Cup during his brief speech.
Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti, Vice-Chairman SBP Rao Zahid Qayyum, Secretary Sports Punjab Ehsan Bhutta, Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh, President Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Ch Shafay Hussain, Secretary PKF Rana Sarwar and captains of all participating teams were also present on this occasion.
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervez Elahi were warmly received upon reaching Punjab Stadium. Then they saw march past of all participating teams and other cultural performances.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervez Elahi said it’s nice to see such a major kabaddi tournament in our own grounds. “I’m quite hopeful that this grand kabaddi World Cup will be a successful event. This event will prove to be a steppingstone for the promotion of kabaddi among the young generation of Punjab province”.
“Kabaddi is our culture, it is the game of our soil. The notable role of Sports Board Punjab also can’t be neglected for the promotion of sports culture and holding Kabaddi World Cup”.
Sharing old memories, Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervez Elahi said Ch Zahoor Elahi launched the modern kabaddi in true sense in Pakistan 42 years ago in 1978. “Ch Zahoor Elahi invited international teams in Pakistan several decades back. He also predicted at that time that kabaddi will get immense popularity in this region and Pakistan will host Kabaddi World Cup one day and now his words have turned into reality”.
While addressing the opening ceremony, Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said holding Kabaddi World Cup 2020 in Pakistan is definitely a big achievement of Punjab govt. “We are promoting sports culture across the province as per the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. We say welcome to all guest teams from the core of our heart in the Kabaddi World Cup 2020”.
Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti further said all credit goes to Punjab govt for hosting first ever Kabaddi World Cup in the country. “We have full support from Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar for the holding grand event like kabaddi World Cup in a befitting manner. We will also hold major events of other games in future”.
Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said Pakistan is a peaceful country and we know how to provide top hospitality to our guests. “Kabaddi World Cup will send a message of peace to the whole world that Pakistan is a safe country for any kind of sports”.
Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti, on this occasion announced that a 5-star hotel will be built near Gaddafi Stadium in Nishtar Park Sports Complex. The 5-star hotel has been approved by Chief Minister Punjab. “In future international teams will stay in 5-star hotel in Nishtar Park Sports Complex during their cricket matches at Gaddafi Stadium. In this way rest of the city will not be disturbed during international cricket matches”.
President of Pakistan Kabaddi Federation Ch Shafay Hussain said that the World Cup is being held in Pakistan for the first time and followers of the game will see quality matches and enjoy the thrill and skills of the players who have come here for the mega event. He welcomed all the participating teams and other guests of the world cup.
In his brief speech, Secretary Sports Punjab Ehsan Bhutta highlighted the key role of Punjab Sports Department, Sports Board Punjab and Pakistan Kabaddi Federation for organizing mega Kabaddi World Cup event. “The people of Punjab will definitely enjoy the thrilling matches among the best kabaddi teams of the world,” he added.
Earlier, attractive lighting show, dance and songs were presented during the opening ceremony. Folk singers also presented melodious songs. The Punjab Stadium was also decorated with eye-catching lights and banners.