With a promise to hold the next world Kabaddi cup jointly in India and Pakistan to foster goodwill, brotherhood and friendship between both the countries, the fourth World Cup Kabaddi today headed towards its conclusion with a big bang.In his address the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed hope that the game of Kabaddi would play an important role in strengthening the ties between India and Pakistan in general and between both the East and west Punjab in particular. Responding to Mr. Badal’s vision his counterpart in West Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif announced to hold 5th edition of World Cup Kabaddi jointly and matches would be held at Lahore and Ludhiana.
Addressing a mammoth gathering converged at Guru Nanak Stadium on the concluding ceremony Mr. Badal said that the game of Kabaddi was a traditional sports of both the east and west Punjab, where it was played in almost every village. He said that though the day was not far away when this game would make its entry in the coveted Olympics but the most important thing was that this game could act as a catalyst for promoting love, brotherhood, peace and amity between both the Punjabs. Mr. Badal hoped that in future both the nations would utilise this game as a source for channelizing the energy of youth and weaning away the menace of drugs from the state.The Chief Minister, while expressing gratitude to his counterpart in West Punjab, said that his presence has added zing to the entire tournament adding that the visit of Mr. Sharif would play a vanguard role in cementing bonds of love and affection between both the states. Mr. Badal said that tomorrow would be historic day in the polity of Indian Sub Continent as the East and West Punjabs’ would ink an agreement for the welfare of the people across the borders. He said that now both the governments of east and west Punjab would act jointly on a common agenda for ensuMr,ing the well being of Punjabis across the border.
Patting Deputy Chief Minister , Sukhbir Singh Badal for successfully organising this gala event, the Chief Minister said that the credit of popularising kabaddi across the globe goes to him. He said that the overwhelming response to Kabaddi was evident from the huge rush of spectators in the stadiums during the matches of this fortnight long sporting extravaganza. Mr. Badal said that the craze of Kabaddi amongst the viewers have surpassed even that of cricket.Striking an emotional chord on the occasion, the Chief Minister asked Mr. Sharif to use his good offices for opening corridor for Sri Kartarpur Sahib, a highly revered place of not only Sikhs but the all the Punjabis, that had remained in Pakistan after partition. He said that as Sikh sentiments were deeply attached with this religious place so the Government of Pakistan must make all out efforts to open it for the pilgrims from India. Mr. Badal urged the West Punjab Chief Minister to impress upon the Prime Minister of Pakistan and his elder brother Mian Nawaz Sharif to take appropriate step to facilitate the Sikh pilgrims from India.
Amidst huge applause, the West Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif in his address offered to hold the next World Cup Kabaddi jointly in East and West Punjab. He said that from next year while the final of this cup might take place in Ludhiana its semi-final must be held at Lahore and vice versa. Cheering up the crowd gathered for final match between India and Pakistan, Mian Sharif said that today if India wins the match then he would greet all of them and if Pakistan won the match then they all could greet him.The West Punjab Chief Minister also invited Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister to visit Pakistan. Lauding the efforts made by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to transform the state by his visionary ideas, Mian Sharif said that they were doing the true service to the people.On the occasion the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal thanked the West Punjab Chief Minister for sparing his valuable time to visit the state. He said that when they had started the Kabaddi cup they had never thought that Kabaddi would become so popular that it would be played in a number of countries across the globe. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Kabaddi has joined two Chief Ministers of East and West Punjab. He also expressed happiness over the fact that the Chief Minister of West Punjab had also announced to hold the matches in Lahore also. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also envisaged the cooperation of West Punjab Chief Minister for organising annual sports between East and West Punjab to promote brotherhood and friendship between both the states.
The Closing ceremony of Fourth Edition of World Cup Kabaddi was started with a presentation of Progressive Punjab highlighting its achievements and steps being taken by SAD-BJP Government for the development, progress and prosperity of state besides welfare initiatives for all sections of societies. The presentation also recalled the history of all four world cup kabaddi editions. The impressive 90 minutes entertainment session also forced the thousands of spectators dancing, Bollywood icon Ranbir Singh stole the show by his world renowned track ‘Jai Ho’, laser show performance and fireworks. Pakistan singer Fariha Parvez, Master Saleem, Lakhwinder Wadali, Roshan Prince also gave impressive performances by presenting their famous tracks. A special session for Martial Art, Gatka with title KHALSA, laser shot and balloon box was also remained the center of attraction. The stage was compeered by Mona Singh.Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Tourism Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Industries Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Revenue and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, PWD Minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, both Rajya Sabha Members, Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Sports), Punjab BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs officers of Civil and Police administration.