Punjab Government has given a great start to the Kabaddi game by organising the World Cup of Kabaddi annually. In the first Kabaddi Cup, all the players were from India whether they played for other countries except few teams like Pakistan. Some people felt privileged that their game is getting international exposure and some criticized that this is only the political stunt of government. And a question was frequent, how this is a world cup when all the players are Indians in most of the teams. But the people don't know that it was just a beginning. The third kabaddi cup is going on and the most of the foreign teams have none of the Indian players in their team. Argentina, Iran, Scotland, Sierra Leone, and Kenya has the players from their own countries. Iran and Argentina even have the coaches of their own countries. I had interview with the coaches of Iran and Argentina. Argentinian coach Ricardo Acuna told that they started playing kabaddi in the year 2002. He told that he is the physical education teacher in the school and has the interest of learning about the games of different countries. He told that Indian games are the best games in the world. Less amount of funds are required to play and the purpose of game is also fulfilled as the power of body is used in the games. He specially told that he like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Atiya-patia and pithu kaim. He told that he is also the president of Argentina Kabaddi Association. He told that at present Kabaddi is being played in the 90 schools of 5 provinces of Argentina. He also informed that in May, 2013 they are going to organise a Kabaddi league in Argentina. In this league 8 teams of 5 provinces will participate. He told that whole team of Argentina is very happy to participate in the Kabaddi World Cup and is very grateful to the Punjabis for the warm welcome and their love and affection. He said that its his personal desire that Kabaddi should reach to the Olympics.
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| Me with Argentinian Team |
While interviewing Iranian team there was some language barriers. In-spite of that they told that they are very happy to be part of this great event. and they thanked the Punjabis.
This is just the beginning that the foreign people have started giving good response to our games. It is just because the Punjab Government took the first step by organising Kabaddi World Cup and now the things are going on smoothly in favour of the game. But still Kabaddi has to go miles still. It is just the beginning. More hardwork is needed in the coming years. Till it reach the Olympics. The another step of Punjab Government should be that the 28 states of India should also play Kabaddi. A national league must also be organised. So that the 28 cultures of India should also know the importance of the game. Then only the foreign cultures will accept our game.
