Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today approved revised dates of 5th edition of World Kabaddi Cup on the proposal of Kabaddi organizations from various countries. As per the new dates, this mega event of Punjab’s traditional game will now commence from December 5 to 15. This decision was taken in a meeting with the representatives of various Kabaddi organizations of world, who were here to apprise Deputy CM about clashing of dates due to grand finale of Wave World Kabaddi League on November 29.
In view of date clashing, Mr. Badal asked Secretary Sports Mr. P.S. Aujla to prepare a revised schedule with the commencement of World Kabaddi Cup from December 5 to 15. He also directed that there will be no change in the venue of both men and women semi-finals, which would be held in Pakistan whether in Lahore or anywhere as per the convenience of Government of Punjab Province.
Mr. Badal, who is also Sports Minister, informed that there would be 10 teams participating in World Kabaddi Cup namely India, Pakistan, Argentina, USA, UK, Scotland, Canada, Sierra Leon, Spain, Kenya and Denmark in men discipline whereas in women category teams from India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Kenya, UK, Malaysia, Denmark and Mexico would participate. He said that these Kabaddi titans would vie for Rs. 6.97 crore total prize money out of which champion in men and women categories would be awarded with Rs. 2 crore and Rs. 1 crore respectively followed by Rs. 1 crore and Rs. 51 lakh for runners-up in both categories.
The opening and closing venues would remain same with opening 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. Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Mr. Pargat Singh, Commissioner World Kabaddi League, Mr. Balbir Singh Bitta, President North India Kabaddi Federation, Mr. Makhan Singh Charrik of California Eagles, Mr. Rana Tut co-owner of California Eagles, Mrs. Thiara of Royal Kings USA, Mr. Kuljit Singh Purewal of Vancouver Lions, Mr. Surinder Pal Singh Toni coach of Khalsa Warriors, Mr. Mohammad Waqas Akbar of Lahore Lions and Mr. Surjan Singh Chatha of North India Kabaddi Federation.