On 9th October in Chandigarh, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Kabaddi should be included in 2016 Olympics. He said this after the successful organisation of first Asian Circle Style Kabaddi at Tabriz.

Kabaddi received international exposure during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, demonstrated by Hanuman Vyayam Prasarak Mandal, Amaravati, Maharashtra. The game was introduced in the Indian Olympic Games at Calcutta in 1938.

He said that “it is indeed a matter of pride for the state that after last year’s inaugural kabaddi World Cup here in which nine nations, including India and Pakistan, had fought for top honours, the popularity of the game has increased by leaps and bounds across the world.”

Badal said that “Punjab is all set to host the second kabaddi World Cup, beginning from November 1 to 20, where 14 international teams would participate besides four international women teams from India, USA, Iran and UK. ” He also announced a whopping Rs 2 crore cash award for the winning team while Rs one crore for the runners-up in the second kabaddi World Cup.

This time Kabaddi would be held across 15 villages and cities of Punjab including Dhudike of Moga District, Doda of Sri Mukatsar Sahib and Chohla Sahib of Taran Tarn district. Bhatinda will hold the opening ceremony and the semi final match and Ludhiana will hold the summit clash.

He said that number of participating teams have been increased to 14, including India, Pakistan, USA, UK, Canada, Iran, Afghanistan, Australia, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Norway, Germany and Sri Lanka.