Punjab Government is all set to host the special edition of International Kabaddi Tournament-2019 to mark the Guru Nanak Dev’s 550th prakash purb from December 1 even as the Pakistan’s kabaddi team is awaiting approval of the Indian Government.
As many as nine countries, including Australia, Canada, England, Kenya, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, US, are participating in the tournament that will last till December 10.
Giving details, Punjab Sports and Youth Services Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi on Friday said that over 160 players are participating and the Australian team has already reached India. The other teams are from Canada, England, Kenya, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the US, besides the host India.
Sodhi said that the Canadian team has got the no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Union Government while the approval for the Pakistan team is still awaited and hopefully it will be given soon.
“Even the Chief Minister will speak to the Central Government with regard to allow Pakistan to participate,” he added.
Sodhi said that the winning team would be given a 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.
“The opening ceremony will be held at Guru Nanak Stadium in Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala district on Sunday while the closing ceremony will take place at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district on December 10. Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh would be the chief guest at the closing ceremony and will distribute the prizes,” he said.
