AHMEDABAD: It wasn’t too long ago that kabaddi, one of the most ancient sports in India, was dying a slow, sad death. Then came the Star Sports-backed Pro Kabaddi League, which was a monstrous hit. The vision to make the game global was one of the main reasons for conducting the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup here.
Two previous editions had been held in relative wilderness, and when it was announced that it would make a comeback, many were left scratching their heads over how many previous such events had actually been held. There was apathy towards the sport, with no one making any attempts to revive a game in which India had always been No 1.
One has to reserve a word of praise for the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) and the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), for they accepted the prevailing situation, and realised that a complete makeover was required. Fast forward to Saturday, and such has been the success of the PKL and World Cup that kabaddi’s bid to be included in the Olympics has received a renewed push. In August, just before the Rio Olympics, the International Olympic Committee revealed that baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding, sports climbing and surfing would be included at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Many were left dumbfounded that kabaddi did not find a place. IOC wanted to cater to a youthful audience, but they didn’t take into account the impact kabaddi has had on so many youngsters, both in India and abroad. “We have done whatever we can to get kabaddi into the Olympics. Obviously, the final decision rests with the IOC, but we will do everything we can to ensure that happens as soon as possible,” International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) president Janardan Singh Gehlot had said prior to the event.
At the World Cup, the twelve participating countries came from six continents. Most players are still in high school or colleges, and were drawn to the sport because of its unique style. This shows how far the sport has gone in such a short period. Countries like Kenya, Australia, England and Argentina, some of the most successful sporting nations, came down to vie for ultimate glory.
“We knew there was no chance of making the semifinals, and going easy on them (Argentina) would’ve ensured it wasn’t so one-sided. It will help them gain confidence, and also gives them the opportunity to go home with their heads held high,” Bangladesh coach Subimal Chandra Das had said after their win over Argentina.
Until the last league match, Kenya were in with a chance of making the semifinals, showing that with a bit of support and exposure, newer countries can also challenge the perceived ‘established elite’.
raviiyer@newindianexpress.com
India champs
In a display of near-perfect kabaddi, India, led by star raider and Man of the Match Ajay Thakur, eased past Iran 38-29 to clinch the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup at the TransStadia here on Saturday. Marshalled expertly by skipper Anup Kumar, India overcame a half-time deficit of five points (13-18) to emerge triumphant.