The kabaddi fever is gripping India with the 2016 World Cup beginning on 7th October and the entire country is rallying behind the national team, which features a host of Pro Kabaddi League stars. Jaipur Pink Panthers owner and Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan is quite passionate about kabaddi and he is excited to watch all stars of Indian kabaddi together in one team. The actor spoke to Sportskeeda about the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, his love for the game and Jaipur Pink Panthers captain Jasvir Singh.
Speaking about the Indian kabaddi team ahead of the World Cup, Bachchan said, “I’m very excited that the world cup is being held in India and I really look forward to going and supporting them & I look forward to India winning the cup. Kabaddi is a game close to my heart and to see it being played on such a level is great. I wish them all the best and hope they do really well.”
Kabaddi has grown exponentially in the past few years and Pro Kabaddi League has been at helm of this rise. Abhishek Bachchan, in his own capacity, has promoted kabaddi quite a lot through his team Jaipur Pink Panthers, which won the inaugural edition of Pro Kabaddi League. The actor expressed how Pro Kabaddi has influenced the rise of one of India’s most ancient sports.
“Well, the sport speaks for itself but I’d like to believe that Pro Kabbadi League has taken it to a national platform. The fact that the world cup is going to be televised by Star goes to speak about the demand to see the sport and I think that’s what the Pro Kabaddi League has done for the spotlight on the sport,” he said.
Jasvir Singh is one of the biggest stars of Indian kabaddi and he happens to be the captain of the Abhishek Bachchan’s Jaipur Pink Panthers. The actor spoke in detail about his association with the raider famous for the “scorpion kick” and what he would bring to the Indian kabaddi team.
“Jasvir will bring heaps of experience. Jasvir has played for the national squad for many many years. He’s represented India, at a lot of Asian games and National games so I think he will bring a lot of experience, he is cunning and a very good strategist. Him being cunning will be integral on the mat. He is a very intelligent raider and will be a huge asset,” he said.
Also read: 2016 Kabaddi World Cup: 5 stars who missed out on a spot in the Indian squad
The Indian team is really strong but a large number of Pro Kabaddi stars were left out due to an embarrasment of riches. However, Abhishek Bachchan said that he feels the team is ideal with the likes of Anup Kumar, Jasvir Singh, Manjeet Chhillar, Mohit Chhillar and Rahul Chaudhari. He also spoke about how the team should not be complacent in its approach to the game.
“I mean it’s an immensely strong team. Some of the best performers of the Pro Kabbadi League are playing in the same team. It’s going to be very exciting to see all of them play together. Having said that I don’t think they shouldn’t feel complacent at all, there are some teams in the world cup which are very very strong as well. There is absolutely no room for complacency. But I think this is the best possible team that could’ve been put up,” he said.
Indian kick off their 2016 Kabaddi World Cup with a match against South Korea and they will be up against familiar foe Jang Kun Lee, who could be a big threat.
