Iran Kabaddi Team Arrives In Islamabad For Asian Games Camp
Iran’s men’s kabaddi team is set to arrive in Islamabad for a joint training camp with Pakistan as both countries intensify preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. The camp, arranged through the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation, brings one of Asia’s strongest kabaddi sides into Pakistan for competitive sessions and practice matches ahead of a major continental challenge.
The Iranian team, which won gold at the 2018 Asian Games, will train with Pakistan’s national squad at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad. The visit is expected to run until August 27, giving both teams several days of structured practice, tactical work and match-style preparation before the Asian Games begin in September.
Pakistan Kabaddi Federation Secretary General Mohammad Sarwar said the arrangement would benefit both squads as they prepare for the tournament. He thanked the Iran Kabaddi Federation for sending its team and said the sessions would give players a valuable opportunity to test themselves against a high-quality opponent before the continental event.
The camp will include daily training sessions and practice matches, while the federation is also considering turning some of the contests into a more formal Test-style series. Such competitive games could help Pakistan assess combinations, fitness levels and tactical discipline against an Iranian side that has repeatedly challenged the region’s traditional kabaddi powers.
Iran’s rise has changed the balance of Asian-style kabaddi. The country stunned the sport by defeating South Korea in the final of the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, securing gold and confirming its place among the continent’s elite. Iran had earlier won silver at the 2014 Incheon Games and again finished second at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou after losing to India in the final.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has remained a consistent medal contender but has struggled to regain the dominance it once enjoyed in the sport. The national side won bronze medals in both 2018 and 2023, while its earlier Asian Games history includes silver medals in 1998 and 2006. The Islamabad camp is therefore being treated as an important step in rebuilding Pakistan’s competitive edge.
Sarwar said Pakistan had selected a 16-member squad after reviewing players through trials, the national championship and the previous National Games. Only two members of the current squad represented Pakistan at the last Asian Games, which shows the federation is relying heavily on younger players as it attempts to refresh the national setup.
The coaching team for Pakistan will include Rahat Maqsood, Mohammad Arshad and Hamid Mukhtar, who will supervise training during the camp. The federation believes the presence of a strong Iranian side will expose Pakistan’s young players to the speed, strength and tactical pressure required at international level.
For Pakistan, the camp carries importance beyond routine preparation. Kabaddi remains a sport with deep public following in the country, and a strong Asian Games campaign could revive attention, strengthen player confidence and help the federation build momentum for future competitions.
The next stage will depend on how Pakistan’s squad performs during the Islamabad sessions and whether the proposed match series with Iran is finalised. With the Asian Games scheduled from September 19 to October 4, the joint camp offers Pakistan a limited but valuable window to sharpen its squad before facing the region’s top kabaddi teams.