The semifinal matches of the fifth World Kabbadi Cup, 2014, scheduled to be held from November 29 to December 13, would be played in the Punjab province of Pakistan.
The announcement was made by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, who is also holding the sports portfolio, on Friday after finalising the schedule for the event in a high level meeting.
The names of proposed teams, including India, Pakistan, Argentina, USA, UK, Scotland, Canada, Seora leon, Spain, Kenya and Denmark in men discipline and India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Kenya, UK, Malaysia, Denmark and Mexico in women category, has also been approved in the meeting.
These teams would fight for the total prize money of Rs6.97 crore out of which title winners in men and women categories would get Rs2 crore and Rs 1 crore respectively.
The second prize of Rs1 crore would be given to runner up to men team whereas in women category it would be Rs51 lakhs.
The opening ceremony would be organised at Jalandhar whereas Bathinda would witness the closing ceremony.
Besides, Jalalabad, Chohla Sahib, Sangrur, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Rupnagar, Khanna and Mansa cities have been selected for kabbadi matches.
Sukhbir has issued strict instructions to conduct dope tests of players to ensure drug free world cup and approved Rs30 lakh for the same.
To promote traditional games of Punjab, Sukhbir asked the sports department to prepare a proposal to start Punjab Rural Games from this year which would not only boost the sports culture but also give impetus to tourism.
With a view to promote desi kushti (traditional wrestling) in the State, Sukhbir directed the cultural and sports department to contact with Pakistan Iran and Uzbekstan Governments to send their wrestlers to India as Punjab has a great potential in this game.
He has also asked the sports department to provide professional training to the players by sending them to other professional sports training academies within India and abroad.