The 2012 Kabaddi World Cup (circle style) was the third edition of the international kabaddi tournament for men and the second for women, organized by the Government of Punjab, India. It was held from December 1 to December 15, 2012, across various cities in the state of Punjab. This tournament specifically featured the "circle style" variant of Kabaddi, which is distinct from the international standard rectangular court style.
Background
Circle style Kabaddi, also known as Punjabi Kabaddi, is a traditional form of the sport predominantly played in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Unlike the standard Kabaddi played on a rectangular mat, circle style Kabaddi is played on a circular ground with a larger playing area. The rules also have some variations, often emphasizing power and agility over strategic holding. The Kabaddi World Cup for circle style was initiated by the Punjab government in 2010 to promote the traditional sport.
Participating Nations
The 2012 tournament saw participation from numerous countries in both men's and women's categories.
Men's Teams: Fifteen nations competed in the men's tournament, including:
- Afghanistan
- Argentina
- Canada
- Denmark
- England
- Germany
- India
- Iran
- Italy
- Kenya
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Sierra Leone
- Sri Lanka
- United States
Women's Teams: Four nations participated in the women's tournament:
- India
- Malaysia
- Turkmenistan
- United States
Tournament Structure
The tournament typically involved a group stage followed by knockout rounds (semi-finals and final). Matches were held at various venues across Punjab, drawing large crowds of spectators.
Results
Men's Tournament: India emerged as the champions of the 2012 Kabaddi World Cup (circle style) for the third consecutive time, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final match.
- Winner: India
- Runner-up: Pakistan
Women's Tournament: In the women's category, India also secured the championship, successfully defending their title from the previous year.
- Winner: India
- Runner-up: Malaysia
Venues
Matches were hosted in different cities and towns across Punjab, including Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Sangrur, and Mansa, among others, with the finals typically held in the larger stadiums.
Significance
The 2012 Kabaddi World Cup (circle style) further cemented India's dominance in the traditional form of Kabaddi. The event played a significant role in promoting circle style Kabaddi on an international stage, showcasing the cultural heritage of Punjab, and fostering sports diplomacy between participating nations. The prize money for winners and participants also helped to professionalize the sport to some extent.