Punjab To Host Third World Kabaddi Cup From December 1 To 15- Sukhbir

12 Teams To Contest In Men’s Category,Participating Countries To Ensure Prior Dope Test

5 Dariya News

Chandigarh 12-Jul-2012

Punjab would host 3rd World Kabaddi Cup from December 1 to 15, 2012. This decision was taken in a high level meeting held here today under the Chairmanship of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and attended by Information and Public Relations Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, Education Minister Sikander Singh Maluka, Industries and Commerce Minister Anil Joshi and MLA and former Indian Hockey Captain Padam Shree Pargat Singh. Badal said that Punjab Government was committed to promote Kabaddi at International level for making a strong plea for its inclusion in Olympic Games. He said that this 15 day Kabaddi extravaganza would be a memorable treat for Kabaddi lovers as the league matches would be held at different places throughout the state. He said that in men’s category 12 teams would be pided in two pools and each continent would have representation in this championship as Kenya’s Kabaddi team would represent African continent for the first time. He said that this championship would be on league cum knock-out basis and first two teams from each pool would play in the semifinals. He said that the decision on participating teams for women category would be taken later on. The Deputy Chief Minister categorically said that the state government was committed to ensure dope free tournament and for this purpose dope test would be mandatory for each player. He said that any player found guilty in dope test would be banned and every participating team has been asked to conduct dope test of its each player before the start of tournament also. Badal pointed out that it was SAD-BJP Government, which included Kabaddi, the mother game of Punjabis, in the list of recognized games and hosted first ever World Kabaddi Cup with first prize of Rs. 1 crore in 2010. Similarly, 2nd  World Kabaddi Cup was organised in 2011 with record first prize of Rs. 2 crore. He said that it was a matter of pride that non-Punjabi players have also shown great interest in this traditional Punjabi game and expressed confidence that in 3rd World Kabaddi Cup each participating team would be comprised of its native players.