India win men, women kabaddi title

Sanjeev Singh Bariana/Archit Watts
Tribune News Service
Badal (Muktsar), Dec 20

India defeated Pakistan (45-42) in a controversy-marred final of the fifth World Cup Kabaddi tournament at the Guru Gobind Singh Multipurpose Stadium here on Saturday. In the women's final, the Indian eves defeated New Zealand (36-27).

In the men's final where Pakistan alleged foul play, both the teams were neck and neck for the first 10 minutes. Gradually, Pakistan gained lead, and it was only towards the end that India came back in the game.

Pakistan captain Shafiq Chisti alleged that the Indian players resorted to unfair means to win the title. "Indian raiders applied mustard oil on themselves to avoid being caught. They openly drank water in between the game, which is against the rules. They also hurled abuses to intimidate us."

Coach Malik Safdar said: "If this is the standard of the tournament, I am very sure our team will not come next year." 

The team, however, accepted the trophy and award under protest but some of the team members did not go onstage to receive the award. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal appreciated the "keenly contested match". "From next year, the prize money for the winners in the girls' category will be Rs 2 crore, same as for men," said the chief minister.

In women's section, Ram Bateri and Priyanka were adjudged the best raiders. Anu Rani was declared the best stopper for the second year in running. 

In men's section, Sandeep Surakhpur (India) and Shafiq Ahmed Chisti of Pakistan were adjudged best raiders while Yadwinder Singh Yada was declared the best stopper.