The world’s most famous and one of the best entertaining sports, the freestyle wrestling is set make a debut at the Lahore’s National Hockey Stadium on December 2. The event is being held under the title the Sports and Peace Festival Wrestling and is being held under the auspices of the Sports Board Punjab as part of the Punjab Youth Festival’s international activity.
Briefing media about the Sports and Peace Wrestling, Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, Deputy Speaker and Chairman Organising Committee Sports informed that world’s renowned Martial Arts expert and one of the great wrestlers of his time Antonio Inoki will be leading a team of 10 Japanese wrestlers from Japan to Pakistan.
Usman Anwar, Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab, was also present on the occasion.
Apart from Japanese wrestlers, three Russian and two American wrestlers are also expected to be part of the activity while efforts are being made to prepare Pakistan wrestlers for this style of wrestling, said Rana Mashood.
“Pride of Pakistan in wrestling Nasir Bhollu will be the guest during the competitions and we are also discussing with him the wrestlers who could feature in this style of activity,” said Mashood. He further stated that there is no wrestler in Pakistan who could compete in this style. But with the arrival of these foreign wrestlers arrangements will be made to adopt this style also, he added.
Rana Mashood further said that it is due to the positive vibes spread by the organization of the Punjab Youth Festival that foreign teams have started to visit Pakistan.
He further informed that the wrestlers will reach Pakistan on November 30 and arrive Lahore the following day on December 1 and on December 2 (Sunday) National Hockey Stadium arena will be set to host the event among the visiting wrestlers.
Some of the prominent wrestlers from Japan include Kazuyuki Fujita, Hideki Suzuki, Shinichi Suzukawa, Atsushi Sawada, Yoshihiro Asai, Tokimitsu Ishizawa, Maayuki Okamoto and Akira Jo. “A special wrestling ring is being brought to Pakistan from Japan to host the event and will be installed at the National Hockey Stadium while the bouts will be held under lights,” he added. To a question, Rana Mashood said that Punjab government will not only provide proper security to the participating T20 team but will also be given Punjab’s true hospitality.
Speaking on the occasion Director General SBP Usman Anwar said that SBP is playing its due role in the conduct of the sports events and will also provide full support in the holding of the National Games.
“The National Games will be organized in the same fashion as the Punjab Youth Festival was held,” said Usman Anwar.
