DODA (SRI MUKATSAR SAHIB), NOVEMBER 10: Host India today entered into semifinal of the ongoing 2nd edition of World Cup Kabaddi by claiming easy victory over its opponent Canada with a margin of 51-24 here in a jam-packed stadium. India has become the first team of the game, who registered victories in all five matches played till date. Teams of England and Germany also trounced their rival teams Australia and Afghanistan in their league matches. The Germans defeated Australia 45-32 while Germany drubbed Afghanistan 62-26.
Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister of Punjab, paid a special visit to Doda and watched all the three matches live. After ceremonial handshake and interaction with all the teams, Mr. Badal exhorted the Panchayats to come forward for the promotion of sports throughout the state. He said that SAD-BJP government was committed to uplift the standard of sports in Punjab and working day and night to bring the traditional games on the map of international sports. He said that Panchayats should identify the lands in their respective villages to construct sports stadium and for this purpose state government would extend its full support in this regard.
The match played between India and Canada was the center of attraction for the spectators since the duo were heavyweights of the game. Though the Canadian players tried their level best but the Indians remained dominant throughout the match and won the match with 51-24. The score was 26-13 at the time of interval. Showing extraordinary sports, Indian raiders Sandeep Dirba and Gagandeep Singh Gaggi scored 9 points each while vice captain of the team Hardavinderjit Singh Dulla scored 5 points. Indian stopper Narinder Ram scored 6 points. Canadian raider Kulwinder Singh Kinda scored 6 points.
Earlier, maintaining dominance over Australia, England overpowered its rival 45-32. The score was 24-15 at the time of interval. England Captain and raider Manga Mithapuria as usual played well and secured 8 point while Kulwinder Kinda also got 8 points. It was one sided show during the match played between Germany and Afghanistan. The Afghanis could not grip, German raider Ranjit Singh Bath even a single time and he scored 21 points.
Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Bibi Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, Member Parliament, Mr. Sikander Singh Malooka, president Punjab Kabaddi Association, former minister Mr. Gurdev Singh Badal and Director Sports Punjab Mr. Pargat Singh.