1,370 to compete in four games of Police Kabaddi Cluster

The formal opening ceremony of the 1st All-India Police Kabaddi Cluster was held today at the PAP headquarters in Jalandhar.

As many as 1,370 players from 29 teams across the country are participating in kho kho, fencing, gymnastics and kabaddi. The players from various states and UTs, including Manipur, J&K, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, etc, are staying in DAV University, LPU and PAP hostel. At present, the PAP has become a haven of sportspersons from all parts of the world and everyone is getting to witness their skills.

In kabaddi, 597 players have been participating (348 men, 249 women), 157 players in gymnastics. In fencing and kho kho, 199 (122 men and 77 women) and 417 (225 men and 192 women) players are competing.

Fencing is being held in LPU. Interestingly, the Manipur team has not shown participation in any other team apart from fencing.

The Punjab police Gymnastics women team, including seven participants, -- Minakshi, Jashandeep, Ruhika, Prabhjot, Ritu, Priya and Rajwinder were all set to compete in the event. Of the seven, Minakshi and Jashandeep are the recipients of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award. Minakshi said she started learning gymnastics when she was 5-year old. “My initial years were spent in Patiala and I have taken part in over 13 international events, including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, world championships, etc,” she told The Tribune.

ASI Satish Kumar, women gymnastic coach, said the team of seven players was fantastic. “We have been training for some time now. With such events, we hope that more participants will perform,” he said.

From the UP Police, Gayatri Singh (24) and Anita Verma (24), who were here for kho kho event, said it was their first time in Punjab and for the first time this cluster was happening. “It is a great experience playing here. We are looking forward to the next three days in Jalandhar,” they said.

Both Gayatri and Anita said they had started playing kho kho after they joined the police force.

In kabaddi, where the maximum participation has been witnessed, as many as 27 teams have been taking part barring teams from Assam Rifles and Manipur.