Wapda clinched the National Kabaddi Championship title in an emphatic fashion on Sunday afternoon, overpowering Army 58-35 in a spirited final at Lahore’s Punjab Stadium. The victory capped off a week of fierce competition and highlighted both the traditional roots and evolving professionalism of kabaddi in Pakistan. As the crowd roared from the stands, it was clear that the sport—long a staple of rural culture—continues to inspire passion and pride across the country.
The championship, which began on October 1 and ran through October 5, was contested in the traditional circle style format. This version of kabaddi, played outdoors on a circular field, is distinct from the rectangular, indoor format now common in international leagues and at events like the Asian Games. According to The Express Tribune, the Punjab Stadium was buzzing with excitement as fans cheered on their favorite teams, underscoring the enduring popularity of kabaddi, especially in rural communities.
Wapda’s journey to the title was anything but easy. In the semifinals, they faced a determined Police side but managed to pull through with a 45-38 victory. Army, for their part, had to dig deep to edge out Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in a closely fought match, ultimately prevailing 46-35. These victories set the stage for a final that lived up to its billing, with Wapda’s players displaying a blend of athleticism, strategy, and grit to secure the championship trophy.
The third-place match, played earlier on Sunday, saw PAF outplay Police to clinch the bronze medal. This result rounded out the podium and reflected the high level of competition that characterized the entire championship.
The tournament featured 12 teams divided into four pools, mixing departmental squads with provincial outfits. Pool A included Wapda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh; Pool B brought together PAF, Balochistan, and Pakistan Railways; Pool C was made up of Army, Punjab, and Pakistan Ordinance Factories (POF) Wah; and Pool D featured the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Police, and Pakistan Navy. The group stage, played from October 1 to October 3, saw Wapda, Army, PAF, and Police emerge as undefeated pool winners, setting the tone for a competitive knockout phase.
Speaking to the press ahead of the tournament, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Secretary Muhammad Sarwar emphasized the sport’s deep cultural roots and its potential to foster positive values among youth. “Kabaddi is a traditional sport and is popular in the rural areas, but it is a sport that can promote great values and have the ability to inspire the youth to take fitness more seriously, along with teaching them teamwork, discipline, and patience,” Sarwar stated, as reported by The Express Tribune. His words resonated with the event’s atmosphere, where camaraderie and respect were as evident as the competitive fire on the field.
Organizationally, the championship marked a milestone for the PKF. In collaboration with the Punjab Government and the Punjab Sports Board, the federation claimed to be the first in Pakistan to arrange dope testing facilities at a national kabaddi event. “The PKF are the first federation to arrange the facilities of dope testing during the national championship,” the federation announced, highlighting its commitment to integrity and fair play. All participating teams were encouraged to conduct due diligence regarding anti-doping protocols before competing, signaling a step forward in aligning with international standards.
While the championship at Punjab Stadium showcased kabaddi at its most organized and celebratory, the same weekend saw a starkly different scene unfold at a local playground in Hyderabad. On Sunday evening, a kabaddi match at Sultan Shahi playground in Moghalpura was marred by violence, resulting in serious injuries to a local man named Sameer. According to reports, Sameer became embroiled in an altercation with two individuals, Mubasheer and Muqtadar, during the game. The disagreement escalated quickly, with Mubasheer and Muqtadar allegedly attacking Sameer with an iron rod and their fists.
Sameer sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The incident, which took place in the heart of the community, prompted swift action from local authorities. A case was subsequently filed at the Moghalpura police station, and an investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances of the assault. The episode served as a sobering reminder that while kabaddi can unite and inspire, it is not immune to the broader social challenges facing many communities.
The contrast between the jubilant scenes at Punjab Stadium and the violence at Sultan Shahi highlights the dual realities facing kabaddi in Pakistan today. On one hand, the sport is reaching new heights of professionalism and organization, with national championships drawing crowds and fostering a spirit of healthy competition. On the other, local matches—often played without formal oversight—can sometimes devolve into conflict, reflecting deeper social tensions and the need for stronger community engagement and safeguards.
Despite these challenges, kabaddi’s popularity continues to grow. Its appeal lies not just in the physicality and excitement of the matches, but in the values it embodies. As Secretary Muhammad Sarwar pointed out, the sport offers a unique opportunity to teach young people about teamwork, discipline, and patience—qualities that extend far beyond the kabaddi field. With ongoing support from provincial governments and sports boards, as well as increased attention to issues like doping and player welfare, there is hope that kabaddi will continue to evolve as a positive force in Pakistani society.
For Wapda, Army, PAF, and the other teams that competed in this year’s championship, the experience was about more than just winning or losing. It was a celebration of tradition, athleticism, and community spirit. As the final whistle blew at Punjab Stadium and the Wapda players hoisted their trophy, the message was clear: kabaddi’s future in Pakistan is bright, provided its stewards continue to nurture both the sport and the values it represents.
