Kabaddi is an integral part of Punjab’s cultural identity; promoting traditional sports connects younger generations with their heritage, says Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan

Folk music star Arif Lohar enthrals audience as federal and provincial ministers attend the festival

By Muhammad Shahzad, Lahore, Pakistan

KHUDIAN KHAS, KASUR: The 35th annual Jashn-e-Khudiyan Kabaddi Festival was held in Khudian Khas, district Kasur, featuring an exciting final between teams from Kasur and Pattoki. The closely contested match ended in a tie after the scheduled rounds, with both teams declared joint winners.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Federal Minister Malik Rashid Ahmad Khan, Provincial Law Minister Rana Iqbal and MPA Malik Ahmad Saeed Khan were among the prominent personalities attending the festival. Renowned Punjabi folk singer Arif Lohar also performed, captivating the audience with his energetic musical presentation.

Addressing the gathering, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that the Punjabi language, culture and traditional sports were integral to the region’s rich heritage. He emphasised that preserving these traditions and passing them on to future generations was a collective responsibility.

He praised Arif Lohar for his contribution to promoting Punjabi folk music internationally and preserving the musical legacy of his father. He said the singer enjoyed widespread popularity and affection among Punjabi-speaking communities around the world.

The Speaker described kabaddi as much more than a sport, calling it an essential part of Punjab’s cultural identity and way of life. He said the people of Punjab maintained a deep-rooted connection with the game, while the enthusiasm of young players demonstrated its enduring popularity.

He added that traditional sporting festivals played a vital role in preserving cultural heritage, promoting healthy activities among young people and strengthening social cohesion within local communities.

Congratulating both teams on their performance, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan appreciated the organisers for successfully arranging the annual festival. He said initiatives being undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif were creating greater opportunities for young people to participate in sports.

Referring to the Khelta Punjab programme, he said the initiative would help revive sporting activities, encourage emerging talent and bring sports grounds back to life across the province.

Provincial Law Minister Rana Iqbal extended his congratulations and best wishes to both teams and their players. He also thanked the guests and participants for attending the festival and appreciated the organisers’ efforts to promote traditional sports.

Federal Minister Malik Rashid Ahmad Khan said that kabaddi, like the Punjabi language, was an important component of the region’s cultural heritage. He observed that such events encouraged young people to participate in healthy and constructive activities while strengthening their connection with local traditions.

He praised both the Kasur and Pattoki teams for their performance in the final and stressed the importance of continuing to organise such festivals to preserve traditional sports and cultural values.

The 35th annual Jashn-e-Khudiyan Kabaddi Festival was organised to promote Punjab’s traditional sports and rural cultural heritage. The organisers said such competitions provided young people with opportunities to demonstrate their sporting abilities while ensuring that the region’s cultural traditions were passed on to future generations.

The festival concluded with a celebration of kabaddi, Punjabi folk music and the cultural traditions that remain deeply rooted in the identity of Punjab.