MUMBAI: The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), with Star India as its broadcast partner, is organising a 6-nation Kabaddi tournament – Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018, supported by the Dubai Sports Council.
The tournament, beginning on June 22, will be held over nine days with six countries participating – India, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Iran, Argentina and Kenya. The matches would be held at the Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai and will be aired live at 8 p.m. IST on the Star Sports Network: SS2, SS2 HD, SS1 Hindi, SS1 Hindi HD, SS1 Tamil.
Janardan Singh Gehlot, president, International Kabaddi Federation said: “Kabaddi is fast becoming a renowned sport globally, and we at IKF look forward to exploring options for a comprehensive international kabaddi calendar that is active annually, successfully pinning kabaddi across the world map. Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 is our first step in that direction and will elevate the stature of our sport considerably. We are thankful to the Dubai Sports Council as well as Star India for their strong role in making this happen.“
Speaking on the initiative, a Star India spokesperson said: “At Star India, it is our endeavour to foster a multisport culture in the country. In line with this, kabaddi has always been close to us, given the VIVO Pro Kabaddi League. We are excited about the Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 and firmly believe it will give greater impetus to the sport in the international arena. Given the stature and strength of the participating teams, our viewers can expect top quality best kabaddi action in exciting and entertaining matches.”
A Dubai Sports Council spokesperson said: “Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 marks the very first time we are hosting an International Kabaddi tournament at such a huge scale in Dubai. It is our endeavor to successfully become a global destination for both indoor and outdoor sporting spectacles, and this tournament reinforces our commitment in that direction. We hope to offer Kabaddi fans an experience that will keep them at the edge of their seats.”
Muhammad Sarwar, secretary general, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation said: “Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 is an excellent opportunity to give athletes from Pakistan, the opportunity of showcasing their mettle at an international level. A tournament of this stature does well to bring nations together, as audiences enjoy the best of action the sport has to offer.”
Masters Dubai will surely be a moment of reckoning for Argentina’s Kabaddi talent and we look forward to taking this competition head on.”
The six participating teams are divided into 2 groups of three. The teams in each group play two matches against every other team in their respective group, with the top 2 teams from both groups qualifying for the semi-finals. The two teams to emerge as victors from the semi-finals will play each other in a grand finale.
India has Pakistan and Kenya in its group while Iran, Republic of Korea and Argentina are in the other half.
