Pak official predicts India-Pak final in WCKP2010
LUDHIANA, APRIL 2 

The industrial town Ludhiana, also known as Manchester of India, was humming with activities on the eve of inaugural Rs 2.16 crore Prize Money World Cup Kabaddi Punjab-2010 being hosted by the Punjab Government at different venues of the state from April 3 to 12.

National teams from Australia, United States of America, Italy, Iran, Pakistan, Canada, United Kingdom and Spain have arrived here. The Indian team, captained by Mangat Singh, was attending a coaching camp before the final selection was made yesterday.

All teams were happy, confident and rearing to go. They said they were looking for a ‘such a great opportunity to display their talent in front of the knowledgeable crowd which throngs the venues in hundreds of thousands to watch the action-packed matches.

Indian captain Mangat Singh Mangi Bagga was oozing with confidence of winning the inaugural trophy. “Besides the home advantage, our players were 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 a right combition and formidable to demolish any opposition,” said bustling Indian captain.

Pakistan team official Mohd Hussain disclosed that “our boys attended an intensive coaching camp in Lahore for the last two months before coming to India to participate in the World Cup. The boys are experienced and will try to win the trophy as well as the hearts of the spectators.”

The 19-member Pakistan team, captained by Imtiaz Alam, has only three new faces in their line-up. The remaining players have played in India earlier.

Asked about his team’s prospects in the tournament, Mohd Hussain said “Inshallaha, we have come here to win. Other teams are equally talented, specally from United Kingdom and Canada.” The Pakistan official predicted a title-clash between India and Pakistan. 

The Pakistan team crossed over to India via Wagha Border. They were accorded a warm welcome by the members of the reception committee.

Spain coach-cum-manager Makit Singh said “our members were looking forward to visit India and play in the WCKP2010 which offers an excellent platform to the players to display their catehing and raiding techniques. Besides techniques, circle kabaddi is also a power game which is very popular in the rural areas.”

Regarding Spain’s chances in the WCKP2010, Malkit Singh 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.”

He praised the Punjab Government’s sincere efforts to promote this fascinating game by organizing the World Cup in which top kabaddi playing countries have staked their claims.

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Warm welcome to Australian team
NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, APRIL 2

A 16-member Australian team arrived in New Delhi today to participate in the inaugural Pearls World Cup Kabaddi Punjab-2010 being conducted by the Punjab Government at different venues of the state from April 3 to 12. The members of the Australian team was given a warm welcome on their by the reception committee formed by the Organising Committee.

According to manager Jagjit Singh Guram and coach Baljinder Singh Bassi, the Australian team will be captained by Rajiv Kumar. These officials were confident to give their best display in their efforts to lift the inaugural trophy. The team members were happy to be in India to take part in the WCKP2010, a venture of the Punjab Government to promote the crowd pulling sports discipline.

The WCKP2010 carries a handsome cash prize of Rs 2.16 crore, with winners taking a lucrative paypurse of Rs one crore besides individual attractive prizes.

Australia are in Pool A along with hosts India, United States of America, Italy and Iran. Australia play their opening pool match against USA at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium in Jalandhar on April 5.
The Australians were later escorted to Ludhiana. The Punjab Sports Department representative Prem Kumar is accompanying the team.

The Australian team:  Rajiv Kumar (Captain), Sukhvir Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Boota Singh, Harjinder Singh Sethi, Kuldeep Singh, Jagjit Singh Dhaliwal, Amritpal Singh, Sukhjinder Singh, Raj Kumar, Harpreet Singh Sidhu, Karnal Singh, Parampal Singh. Manager: Jagjit Singh Gurm. Coach: Baljinder Singh Bassi.

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BADAL SEEKS PM’S INTERVENTION TO ENSURE JUSTICE FOR PUNJABI YOUTH ON DEATH ROW IN UAE 
CHANDIGARH APRIL 02:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought an immediate intervention of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh over the media reports regarding death sentence to 17 Indian youth including 16 from Punjab alone, who have been sentenced to death by Sharjah Court in UAE on the charge of murder of a Pakistani citizen.   

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal urged him to intervene immediately by using his good offices with the UAE government to ensure justice for the young boys.  Mr. Badal pointed that 17 persons had been convicted for a single murder and therefore, we have to be more cautious to see that there was no ‘miscarriage of justice’.  The Chief Minister also requested the Prime Minister to advise the Ministry of External Affairs to provide necessary legal aid for defending their appeals. 

The Chief Minister also revealed that Punjabi labourers and skilled workers had worked day and night during last 25 years for the infrastructure development in UAE and other Middle East countries.  He also mentioned that all these Punjabi youth were the sole breadwinners of their respective families and most of these families had mortgaged their small landholdings to arrange their work visa in UAE. 

Moreover, certain communal organizations in the country were trying to give it communal colour to instigate the masses, added Mr. Badal. 

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