Thaindian News

Ludhiana (Punjab), April 12 (IANS) Beating their arch rivals Pakistan by a huge margin of 58-24, India Monday won the first edition of the Kabaddi World Cup.
The final of this 10-day tournament was played here at jam-packed floodlit Guru Nanak Stadium.

Besides a glittering trophy, victorious Indian team received a cheque of Rs.1 crore whereas first Pakistan took home Rs.51 lakh.

Earlier in the day, Canada outplayed Italy by a big margin of 66-22 and attained third spot in the tournament. Canada and Italy bagged cash prize of Rs.25 lakh and Rs.10 lakh respectively.

Indian captain Mangat Singh Mangi was declared the best stopper and Canadian Kuljit Singh Malsihan was adjudged the best raider. Both were awarded a tractor each.

Besides winning this coveted cup, Indian team members had another reason to rejoice as Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal announced that all would be given state government jobs.

Badal said a formal decision would taken during the state cabinet meeting April 15.

Enthused with the whopping response to Kabaddi World Cup, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal announced that the state will host an eight-nation Punjab Gold Cup hockey tournament this year.

Various senior leaders of Punjab government had come to see the final match. Abhay and Ajay Chautala, senior leaders of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), the main opposition party in Haryana, had also come to watch this match.

Nine international teams from countries like Pakistan, US, Great Btitain, Canada, Iran and Australia participated in this cash-rich tournament.