Indian MMA fighters win PISF Sub-continental Championship in Lahore

A file picture of Indian MMA fighters

Indian martial arts fighters brought laurels to the nation by clinching the Sub-continental Championship at the Punjab International Sports Festival (PISF) 2014 held at Lahore.

The tournament, organised by the the Sports Board Punjab (SBP), saw a large number of players from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan participating in various competitions. Spectators thronged the venue to witness the national and international players in action.

Talking about the event, Indian fighter Udit Thakar said, “Pakistanis gave us a lot of love and respect while the hospitality extended by the Sports Board Punjab was exemplary. If we get a chance to visit the country in future, we would love to come here again. We are not returning homeland empty handed but bringing with us love and honour we have earned from here.”

Thakar defeated Pakistani Ahmad Ali in the 66kg category.

Provincial Minister for Sports Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan and Director General SBP Usman Anwar were the chief guests for the occasion.

After the prize distribution ceremony, Provincial Minister for Sports Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said, “It is a great honour for Punjab Youth Festival in which a large number of new and unique events and games were organised to provide the youth to exhibit their skills.”

In the first phase of Punjab International Sports Festival (PISF) only three countries participated, but in the second phase of the tournament 15 countries will be competing for various competitions.