Pakistan Kabaddi Team Kept Out of World Cup: Organisers

Ahmedabad: The Pakistan Kabaddi team has been kept out of the Kabaddi World Cup, hosted by India, due to the prevailing tension between the two countries, organisers of the fortnight-long event, which begins here on Friday, said.

The International Kabaddi Federation (IBF), which is the main organiser of the tournament, apparently wants to keep Pakistan away in view of the soured relations between the two countries.

IBF chief Deoraj ChaturvediWe do not want to comment much on this. We have taken a decision (to not allow Pakistan) looking at the current situation. We have respect for all the teams but considering the current situation, it is in the interest of both the countries.

The tournament will conclude on October 22.

As many as 12 out of 32 Kabaddi playing nations have sent their teams for the tournament, which includes teams from USA, England, Australia, Iran, Poland, Thailand, Bangladesh, South Korea, Japan, Argentina and Kenya, besides hosts India.

Denial of entry to the Pakistani team comes in the backdrop of Indian strikes on launch pads used by terrorists to infiltrate in Kashmir, after an Indian Army base in Uri was attacked last month leaving 19 soldiers dead.

PTI