KARACHI: Pakistan’s historic failure to win a kabaddi medal at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya has prompted the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) to consider major reforms, including hiring an Iranian coach, increasing international exposure and reviving the domestic professional league.
Pakistan, once a dominant force in international kabaddi, suffered a disappointing campaign after failing to reach the semi-finals for the first time in Asian Games history. The setback has forced officials to reassess their preparations, training methods and focus on the Asian-style format played at the continental competition.
PKF Secretary General and former national captain Mohammad Sarwar described the result as heartbreaking, particularly after Pakistan surrendered a 14-point lead against Thailand before losing 48-45.
“It was unfortunate that we returned without a medal for the first time in four decades,” Sarwar told.
Pakistan’s hopes of progressing to the semi-finals were also ended by a 51-30 defeat against Iran. The team had started strongly, defeating Malaysia 65-22 and Nepal 58-43, but consecutive losses against Thailand and Iran proved costly.
Lack of international exposure a major concern
Sarwar identified limited international competition as one of the biggest reasons behind Pakistan’s disappointing performance, arguing that regular matches against stronger opponents were essential to developing players’ temperament.
“Our biggest issue is the lack of exposure,” he said, adding that other teams regularly compete abroad while Pakistan rarely travels internationally outside major tournaments.
The federation had planned a joint training camp with Iran ahead of the Asian Games, but the proposed arrangements were disrupted by the conflict involving Iran and the United States, according to Sarwar.
He also acknowledged that Pakistan needed to give greater attention to Asian-style, or mat, kabaddi rather than concentrating predominantly on the traditional circle-style format.
Iran and South Korea have made significant progress in the Asian format, while India continues to dominate the sport.
Iranian coach and league revival under consideration
In a significant shift, the federation is considering hiring an Iranian coach to improve Pakistan’s performance in mat kabaddi, despite Pakistan’s historical role in developing the sport in the region.
“We are now considering hiring an Iranian coach, even though we were the ones who taught them kabaddi,” Sarwar said.
The federation also plans to revive the Super Kabaddi League, which previously provided players with a platform to compete and earn money.
Sarwar believes a professional domestic competition could strengthen players financially while improving their fitness, consistency and competitive experience.
Focus shifts to next international challenge
Pakistan have previously won two silver and seven bronze medals in kabaddi at the Asian Games, making their latest failure particularly disappointing.
India claimed both the men’s and women’s titles in Nagoya, defeating Iran 40-34 and 37-34, respectively. Its professional league has helped provide players with regular high-level competition, although Pakistani players’ participation has been suspended in recent years amid strained bilateral relations.
Pakistan’s next major target is the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, scheduled for December 11-21 in Riyadh.
The federation hopes that improved preparation, stronger coaching and more competitive opportunities will help Pakistan rebuild its reputation and avoid another disappointing campaign.
