Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today finalizing the schedule for 5th World Kabbadi Cup 2014 from November 29 to December 13 announced that its semifinals would be played in Punjab province of Pakistan.In a high level meeting here on Friday, Mr. Badal, who is also holding the sports portfolio, has approved the names of proposed teams which includes India, Pakistan, Argentina, USA, UK, Scotland, Canada, Seora Leon, Spain, Kenya and Denmark in men discipline whereas in women category teams form India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Kenya, UK, Malaysia, Denmark and Mexico would participate. These teams would fight for the total prize money of Rs. 6.97 crore out of which title winners in men and women categories would get Rs. 2 crore and Rs. 1 crore respectively. Second prize of Rs. 1 crore would be given to Runner up to men team whereas in women category it would be Rs. 51 Lakh.
It was also decided to organise opening ceremony at Jalandhar whereas Bathinda would witness the sparkling closing ceremony. Besides that Jalalabad, Chohla Sahib, Sangrur, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Rupnagar, Khanna and Mansa cities have been selected for other kabbadi matches. Deputy Chief Minister has issued strict instructions to conduct dope tests of players to ensure drug free world cup and also approved the amount of Rs. 30 lakh for the same. He asked Mr malika to visit Pakistan to fix the venues for world kabbadi cup two semifinal matches.To promote traditional games of Punjab, Mr. Badal asked the sports department to prepare a proposal to start “Punjab Rural Games” from this year which would not only boost the sports culture in the state but also give impetus to tourism. With a view to promote desi kushti (traditional wrestling) in the state, Deputy CM directed the cultural and sports department to contact with Pakistan Iran and Uzbekstan governments to send their wrestlers to India as Punjab has a great potential in this game. He has also asked the sports department to provide professional training to the players by sending them to other professional sports training academies within India and abroad also.
Prominent amongst present in the meeting included Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka Panchayats and Rural Development Minister and President Punjab Kabbadi Association, S.K. Sandhu Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, D.P. Reddy Principal Secretary Finance, P.S. Aujla Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, B.K. Garg I.G. Police, K.S. Pannu Secretary Sports, Ajay Mahajan and Manvesh Singh Sidhu both special principal secretaries to Deputy CM, Balwinder SIngh Director Sports, N.S. Randhawa Director Culture and Gurwaryam Singh Additional Director Public Relations.