Lahore: Zaman AnwarJani of Gujranwalia Pehlwan defeated Pakistan Asif Mochi Pehlwan after a thrilling fight on points to win the Rustam-e-Pakistan Dangal at Punjab Stadiumon Sunday.
Director General Sports Punjab DrAsif Tufail, who was the Chief Guest on this occasion, awarded the mace of Rustam-e-Pakistan and a cheque of Rs One million to Zaman Anwar Jani Pehlwan. The runner-upwrestler Asif Mochi was given a cheque of Rs five lakh while a cheque of Rs 3lakh was awarded to 3rd position holder Shahzad Pochar Pelwan who defeated Maroof alias Maloo pehlwan.
As many as 25 bouts were competed in the presence of thousands of wrestling fans in Rustam-e-Pakistan Dangal which was held under the arrangements of Sports Board Punjab (SBP) and with the collaboration of Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF).
Director Youth Affairs Syed UmairHassan, Director Sports Nadeem Qaiser, President Pakistan Wrestling Federation(PWF) Ch Mubeen Gujjar, Senior Vice-President PWF Arshad Sattar, World Beach WrestlingChampion Inam Butt, Olympian wrestler Bashir Bhola Bhala, Assistant Director MSajid and District Sports Officer Tanveer Shah were also present at the grandfinale.
Director General Sports Punjab Dr.Asif Tufail, Director Youth Affairs Syed Umair Hassan, Director Sports Nadeem Qaiser, President Pakistan Wrestling Federation (PWF) Ch Mubeen Gujjar and Senior Vice-President PWF Arshad Sattar were given souvenirs on this occasion. Theywere also presented with traditional turbans before the final bout. Some wonderful cultural and ‘dhol’ performances was also presented by over 20 artists before the title fight. Thousands of wrestling lovers highly appreciated their melodious performance and culturaldance.
Zaman Anwar Jani of Gujranwalia Pehlwan dominated the title fight most of the time against strong opponent AsifMochi Pehlwan. The Rustam-e-Pakistan Dangal fight was fought according to rules.Zaman Anwar Jani of Gujranwalia Pehlwan enjoyed the upper hand in the first20-minute session but Asif Mochi demonstrated great fighting spirit to survivethe testing moments in the final bout.
After the first 20-minute period offight, Jani Pehlwan won the toss and was given an option to apply his favourite tactic against his opponent in the allotted 5-minute time. After surviving 5-minute time, Asif Mochi Pehlwan was also given the same advantage. After two 5-minute sessions, ZamanAnwar Jani Pehlwan defeated Pakistan Asif Pehlwan on points in an open fightsession.
Talking to media, Director General Sports Punjab Dr Asif Tufail said that wrestling is a traditional game of Pakistan and its popularity can be gauged from the massive presence of wrestling lovers.
“Sports Board Punjab is taking effective measures for the promotion of Pakistan’s traditional sports besides other Olympic games,” he added. Director General Sports Punjab DrAsif Tufail said that the traditional games are being included in the Annual Development Programme.
“Sports Board Punjab will continue to promote traditional games of this region”. Director General Sports Punjab DrAsif Tufail appreciated the closely fought bouts. He also congratulated the winning wrestlers and advised the losers to do extra hard work for their next fights.
Top national wrestlers demonstrated their desi kushti skills in their respective bouts of Rustam-e-Pakistan Dangal. In other major fights, GulluButt Pehlwan defeated Ahmed Kharwala Pehlwan, Qurban Pehlwan beat Asghar Moti Pehlwan.The fights of Sajawal Goonga and Tayyab Pehlwan, Mehboob Qazi and Nomi Pehlwan,Shabaan Pehlwan and Usman Pehlwan ended without any result.