MARDAN: People here on Saturday enjoyed watching a kabbadi match and said that holding of such local games after the long spell of militancy in the region would play a key role in the revival of indigenous culture.

The match played between local Shamshadabad Club and Mamaje Kallay Kabbadi Club in Hoti area proved to be an event of enjoyment and pleasure for a large number of spectators gathered on the occasion.

It was organised by Lasoona Welfare Organisation in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture Directorate to revive and promote local culture under the RICH project.

Abdullah Shah, a spectator, said that he along with his other friends had come to watch the match.

“ It was refreshing to watch the Kabbadi match after a long time,” he said, adding that such games and gatherings had almost stopped due to militancy-related incidents.

Ihteshamul Haq, another local, thanked the culture department for launching a number of activities under its project “Revival of Indigenous Cultural Heritage”.

He was of the view that holding of such local games on regular basis would protect the young generation from falling into the hands of extremists. Earlier, after a thrilling competition the Shamshadabad Club defeated Mamaje Kallay Kabbadi Club.

General councillors Maroof Kaka and Gulzar gave away prizes and trophies to the winner and runner-up clubs. Later, they said that such events were essential for promotion of local sports.

They hoped that events representing the local culture would be held frequently in the future.

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2016