KASUR
Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker has said that kabaddi was an integral part of Punjab’s cultural identity and promoting traditional sports was essential to connecting the younger generation with its cultural heritage.
Addressing the 35th annual Jashn-e-Khudiyan Kabaddi Festival district Kasur, he said Punjabi language, culture and traditional sports were valuable assets of the region and their preservation was a shared responsibility.
He said such festivals helped promote traditional sports, strengthen social ties and encourage young people to participate in healthy activities. The enthusiasm of young players reflected the continued popularity of kabaddi among the people of Punjab, he added.
Congratulating the teams from Kasur and Pattoki, who were declared joint winners after their final match ended in a tie, the Speaker appreciated the organisers for continuing the annual tradition.
He said sports initiatives being undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif were providing greater opportunities to young people. The Khelta Punjab programme would also help revive sporting activities and bring sports grounds back to life across the province, he added.
He also appreciated renowned Punjabi folk singer Arif Lohar for promoting Punjabi folk music internationally and preserving the musical legacy of his father.
Provincial Law Minister Rana Iqbal congratulated both teams and appreciated the efforts made to organise the festival and promote traditional sports.
The annual festival was organised to promote Punjab’s traditional sports and rural cultural heritage.
