The PUNVEC Kabaddi World Cup 2018 was held on 22 April 2018 at the Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park in Melbourne.
The Kabaddi tournament, which is one of its kind, saw a huge crowd that gathered to see the world’s top ranking Kabaddi players in action.
Eight teams from around the globe participated in the prestigious tournament - Australia, India, SGPC from Punjab in India, USA, Canada, Iran, Pakistan and New Zealand.
Australia, which won the title by defeating Canada 34-22.5 also picked up prize money of $21,000.
The event was attended by Australia's acting Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, who praised the vibrant Punjabi display of traditional sports, culture, language, and food.
Australia won Kabaddi World Cup 2018 (Photo Kulbir Cam Studio) Source: Kulbir Cam Studio
“I am so delighted to come here and learn more about this fantastic northern Indian sport of Kabaddi,” Mr McCormack told SBS Punjabi.
“It involves so many aspects of sports including wrestling and athleticism... but most of all it’s great to see how the players keep them fit.
“Congratulations to the organisers who have done a marvellous job and this can only build and better from here!" he said.
Kuldeep Singh Bassi, chief organiser of the event, also thanked those who made the event possible with great success.
Australia's acting Prime Minister, Michael McCormack spoke to SBS Punjabi's Preetinder Singh Grewal (Photo Kulbir Cam Studio). Source: Kulbir Cam Studio
“The sponsors, participants, volunteers, venue staff, the crowd, everyone contributed to make this event successful,” he told SBS Punjabi.
“It was an absolute pleasure to serve the Kabaddi lovers and the community who enjoyed an amazing and electric atmosphere at the Lakeside stadium.
“This was the result of five months of hard work by our team and we hope to continue this success story" he said.
Next year’s Kabaddi World Cup will be held over the Easter weekend on 21st April 2019.
Some of the members of the Kabaddi World Cup organising committee. Source: Supplied
“This is just a tentative date and if it clashes with the Melbourne Sikh Games then we’ll change it accordingly," said Mr Bassi.
"We've been assisting Sikh Games for a very long time and we hope to continue this support for the upcoming years as well."
Punjabi singer Miss Pooja and Jazzy B regaled the full house crowd with their performances.
Rajwinder Singh Randiala, a well-known international Kabaddi commentator and poet travelled all the way from the United States to share his poetry and songs.
A huge crowd gathered to see world’s top ranking Kabaddi players in action at the Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park. Source: Supplied
