Jalandhar: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister
Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that the state government is
planning to launch International Kabaddi League (IKL) on the
lines of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament from
next year onwards.
Sukhbir, who also holds the Sports portfolio, said that
matches of Kabaddi league would be organised in Europe,
Canada, USA and Australia in summers and quarterfinal,
semifinal and final would be played in winters in Asian
sub-continent especially in India and Pakistan.
"From next year onwards, on the pattern of Indian Premier
League (IPL) cricket tournament, a Kabbadi Premier League
would be launched," Sukhbir said.
"Like IPL players of Kabbadi will also be auctioned for
different teams. We want to take kabaddi to its grass root
level from where it has originated," he told reporters during
the occasion of Kabbadi World Cup, being organised here.
He said the basic purpose of Kabbadi League was to
professionally market the game to international level so that
players could get worldwide recognition.
Sukhbir said that a comprehensive sports policy would be
announced soon to strengthen and promote sporting activities
and culture in the state.
"Draft of the policy has already been prepared and some
additions are being made so that appropriate infrastructure
could be built on time to promote sports in Punjab," he said.
PTI
First Published: Monday, April 05, 2010, 20:03