Indian wrestler Satinder defeats Pak's Khoewala

PTI
Lahore: Indian grappler Satinder Singh maintained his winning streak in a three-match wrestling series by flooring Pakistan's Shahid Khoewala at the Punjab Stadium here on Monday, allowing his country to take a 2-0 lead in the tournament.

In front of a gathering of about 15,000 people, 24-year-old Singh made short work of his 26-year-old opponent with a combination of better technique and superior power. Singh had earlier won the first match of the series played in Gujranwala. At the specially prepared 'akhara' in Punjab Stadium, Singh foiled Khoewala's attempt to lift him and then floored him with a quick action. The match lasted less than five minutes.

The third and last match will be held at Gujranwala on November 23. Before Monday’s main bout, there were 10 bouts featuring local wrestlers. "It was not a tough competition and I was vigilant from the start. I did not give (Khoewala) a chance to put me under pressure and I then floored him," Singh, who hails from Haryana, told reporters after his victory. "I am very happy to be in Pakistan as I was given great respect. Indian wrestlers should come to Pakistan. I am grateful to this large gathering for coming and watching the dangal. This will promote the traditional style of wrestling in Pakistan and India," he said. Parliamentarian Hamza Shahbaz, the son of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, gave away the prizes.

He said, "Winning and losing is part of the beauty of sports. The reality is that there should be the victory of the people of both countries. Sports contacts, whether in wrestling or cricket, should be increased so that India and Pakistan could come closer." "If we want to live with our heads held high, we should have good relations with our neighbours. Sports is a good way to bring both countries closer," Shahbaz added. Another match scheduled for today was cancelled as Indian grappler Jagrup Singh was injured during an earlier match in Gujranwala.