ISLAMABAD: The opening ceremony of the Dangal World Cup was held here at the National Press Club on Sunday with an aim to promote Pakistan’s success worldwide through traditional wrestling (Desi Kushti).
Addressing a press conference, Chairman of Ring of Pakistan (ROP), Pir Syed Asim Kazmi, said that the organization is committed to engaging Pakistan’s youth in healthy sporting activities and aims to promote Pakistan’s success worldwide through traditional wrestling.
He said that several countries have already visited Pakistan under the banner of Ring of Pakistan, which reflects that Pakistan is a sports-loving nation.
He added that it took two to three years to fully understand and structure ‘Desi Kushti’. To promote the traditional sport, a committee has been formed and talent hunt programs are being organized across Pakistan, through which 20 wrestlers will be selected and provided opportunities in the field.
Kazmi further announced that a major ‘Desi Kushti’ festival to be held in Lahore, where local wrestlers will compete alongside international wrestlers.
Ring of Pakistan CEO Imran Shah said that wrestlers selected through the Lahore talent hunt program will be taken to the United Kingdom to compete in international arenas. He also announced that the Dangal World Cup will be hosted in Pakistan in the future.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt said that Pakistan has played its role in keeping ‘Desi Kushti’ alive, noting that the region has produced legendary wrestlers.
He added that the World Dangal Championship will play a significant role in the promotion of the sport. He also said that Pakistan’s media stands with initiatives that encourage healthy activities.
Nawab Farqan, President Traditional Sports said that he had been working for the revival of traditional sports and he and ROP share the same goals. He also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ROP for the Asian Championship to work together.
Renowned wrestlers Bashir Bhola and Mamon Afzal Butt praised the role of Ring of Pakistan in the promotion of traditional wrestling.
