Punjab Government’s fortnight long sporting extravaganza — Kabaddi World Cup-2015 — is all set to rock the world from November 15 to 28. Announcing its scheduled on Friday, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal has also approved to increase the cash prize for women category from existing Rs1 crore to Rs1.50 crore.The nod came during a meeting of organising committee of Kabaddi World Cup along with the representatives of Punjab KabaddiAssociation, Punjab Olympic Association and senior state officials.
Sukhbir, who also hold sports portfolio, said that Kabaddi matches would be played at 14 different stadiums in 14 districts across the State.During the sixth edition of the mega event, 11 international teams in men’s section would compete for the title and first place cash prize of Rs2 crore, followed by Rs1 crore for the runner ups. In women’s category, winners would get Rs1.50 crore and runner ups Rs75 lakh.
In the fifth edition Kabaddi World Cup held last year, only nine men’s and eight women’s teams from 12 countries participated in the sporting event.Sukhbir has asked the officers to ensure elaborate security arrangements, transportation, traffic and accommodation for the participating teams.
To ensure the event remain doping free, Rs 20 lakh has also been sanctioned for dope tests and National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) has been requested to conduct random tests during the tournament. Besides, an anti-dope committee has also been formed to ensure that the players should refrain from drugs.
Expressing confidence that hosting of world Kabaddi cups had put this game to another higher orbit of glory, Sukhbir said that successful organizations of five editions of World Cup Kabaddi had encouraged the organisation of World Kabaddi leagues at national and international level which increased its fans and followers across the boundaries.Highlighting the initiatives taken by Punjab Government to promote sports, he said that Punjab is the first State in the country to create dedicated sports fund.