BATHINDA, OCT 31 : India, captained by Sukhbir Singh Sarawan, will defend their title in the Prize Money 2nd Pearls World Cup Kabaddi (Circle style) Punjab-2011 which will be inaugurated here tomorrow at 6 p.m. India are fielding a well-knit team in the prestigious tournament in which 13 nations have staked their claim for top honours. Hardavinder Singh Dulla Surakhpuria will be vice-captain of the Indian team. The Indian team is confident of winning the title for the second time in succession.
The star-studded Indian team have five players who donned the India colour in the first World Cup hosted by the Punjab Government and the Punjab Kabaddi Association. Those who were part of the Indian team last year are Sukhbir Singh Sarawan, Hardavinder Singh Dulla Surakhpuria, Gulzar Singh Moonak, Mangat Singh Mangi Bagga and Narinder Kumar Bittu Dugaal. There are nine new faces, including Gurlal Ghanaur.
Punjab Kabaddi Association president Sikander Singh Malooka disclosed that the Indian team will comprise seven raiders and as many as defenders. Four players are standbye.
Indian team: Sukhbir Singh Sarawan, Hardavinder Singh Dulla Surakhpuria, Gulzar Singh Moonak, Gurlal Ghanaur, Sandeep Dirba, Gagandeep Singh Gaggi Khiranwal and Talwinder Singh Sonu Jump (all raiders), Mangat Singh Mangi, Narinder Kumar Bittu Dugaal, Sikander Singh Kanjhli, Ekam Hathoor, Narinder Nindi Benra, Jagdeep Singh Kaka Ghaniwal and Gurwinder Singh Kahlwan (all defenders).
Standbye: Vicky Ghanaur, Talwinder Singh Tinda, Yaadwinder Singh Kotli and Gurpreet Singh Maheru.
Coaches: Harpreet Singh Baba, Dalbir Singh Bittu and Harbans Singh. Manager: Gurdeep Singh Malhi.