LAHORE: The Sir Sabz Baba Guru Nanak International Circle Style Kabaddi Cup 2025 began on a thrilling note as the Indian Tigers edged out the Lions of Tabriz Iran with a 38-34 victory in the opening match at the WAPDA Sports Complex in Lahore.

The three-day tournament, being organized by the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation and Fatima Fertilizer, runs from April 16-18 featuring teams from Pakistan, India, and Iran. The opening match between India’s SPGC Tigers and Iran’s Lions of Tabriz provided an exciting spectacle for kabaddi fans, setting the stage for an action-packed tournament. India’s narrow win reflected their skill and determination, while Iran displayed resilience in a closely fought encounter.

The second day of the event promises more enthralling matchups between Pakistan Eagles and Indian Tigers. While in the second match, Pakistan Eagles face Lions of Tabriz Iran. The top two teams at the end of the group stage will face off in the tournament final on April 18.

The tournament was inaugurated with a grand ceremony attended by Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar, who celebrated kabaddi as a cultural emblem of Punjab and Pakistan. Addressing the audience, he emphasized the role of such international competitions in promoting regional harmony, friendship, and youth engagement.

Kabaddi is a traditional and immensely popular grassroots sport in Punjab, the Minister stated. “Events like this not only inspire passion for sports but also foster tourism and cultural exchange.”

Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar announced plans to establish an endowment fund for kabaddi players and provide scholarships to athletes excelling in the sport. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to organizing more national and international competitions to elevate kabaddi’s global recognition. Rana Muhammad Sarwar, Secretary General of the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, lauded Chaudhry Shafi Hussain’s efforts in facilitating collaboration with Indian and Iranian kabaddi federations. He highlighted the foolproof security measures in place and welcomed foreign teams, underscoring Pakistan’s safety as a host nation for international events.

“The Sir Sabz Baba Guru Nanak Kabaddi Cup stands as a symbol of sports diplomacy and cultural exchange. The tournament has already garnered immense enthusiasm, with fans eagerly looking forward to the upcoming matches as the teams compete for glory on the kabaddi mat,” stated Sarwar.