India captain confident of winning inaugural Kabaddi WC

Ludhiana: India captain Mangat Singh today oozed confidence of winning the inaugural Rs 2.16 crore World

Cup Kabaddi Punjab 2010 starting here tomorrow, saying perfect preparation and home advantage make the hosts a formidable side. Teams from Australia, Pakistan, USA, Italy, Iran, Pakistan, Canada, United Kingdom and Spain have already arrived here for the tournament but Mangat said India stood good chances of winning the title. "Besides home advantage, our players have been attending the coaching camp here to prepare for the big event. Our raiders and catchers are in top condition and robust. With the support of the local crowd, our players will be more inspired to give their best. We have the right combination to demolish any opposition," said India captain. Pakistan team official Mohd Hussain said his wards would be no push-overs either. "Our boys attended an intensive coaching camp in Lahore for the last two months before coming to India to participate in the World Cup," he said. "The boys are experienced and will try to win the trophy as well as the hearts of the spectators," he added. "We have come here to win but other teams are equally talented, specially from United Kingdom and Canada," he said, predicting an Indo-Pak title clash. The Pakistan team crossed over to India via Wagha Border. They were accorded a warm welcome by the members of the reception committee. Spain`s coach-cum-manager Malkit Singh said the Spaniards were eager to strut their stuff here. "Our members were looking forward to visit India and play here as the tournament offers an excellent platform to the players to display their catching and raiding techniques," he said. Regarding Spain`s chances, he said, "Our players are in top form. They play kabaddi regularly back home and in European countries. Our players are international players and have good experience." PTI