The Punjab Government is all set to host the Special Edition of International Kabaddi Tournament-2019 to mark the 550th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji from December 1 at Guru Nanak Stadium, Sultanpur Lodhi.This was disclosed during a press conference by the Sports and Youth Services & NRI Affairs Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi. The Minister said that the Kabaddi extravaganza would be represented by over 160 players from nine different Countries. As many as eight countries besides India, which is hosting the prestigious tournament, are Australia, Canada, England, Kenya, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and USA, said that Minister adding that the Canadian team had got NOC from the Union Government while the approval to Pakistan time is still awaited and hopefully it would be issued soon. The Minister also announced that the winning team would be given the cash prize of Rs. 25 lakh while the runners-up and the team clinching the third position would get Rs. 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh respectively.Divulging the tournament schedule, Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi said that the Opening Ceremony will be held at Guru Nanak Stadium, Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district on December 1, 2019 at 11.00 am with full pump and show and the Closing Ceremony will take place at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district on December 10 at 11.00 am.He further said that Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh would be the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony and distribute the prizes to the winners. The other matches will be played at Guru Nanak Stadium, Amritsar on December 3, Guru Ram Das Stadium, Guru Harsahai, Ferozepur on December 4, Outdoor Sports Stadium, Bathinda on December 5, Polo Ground, Patiala on December 6.
The Minister also informed that the Semi Finals will be held at Charan Ganga Stadium, Sri Anandpur Sahib in Roop Nagar district on December 8 and finals will be played at Dera Baba Nanak on December 10.Interacting with the media persons, the Minister mentioned that the Sports Department had devised a detailed plan at the Head Quarter, and also constituted committees to conduct the tournament at district level under the chairmanship of concerned Deputy Commissioners. All tournament venues have been prepared meticulously under the guidance of experts. Likewise, security arrangements at tournament venue, lodging places besides while ferrying the players have already been finalised. Two Liaison Officers have been deputed with each team to facilitate the players.The Minister also disclosed that International Kabaddi Tournament would be Live Telecast by PTC Network daily. He also added that Govt. of Punjab is making concerted efforts to uplift Sports in the state and has also notified New Sports Policy 2018. According to the policy, maximum facilities, Cash Awards and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awards have been awarded to the Sportspersons which tantamount to 3 times the hike of the existing facilities and cash awards.