Pankaj Shirsat to lead Indian team in 2nd Kabbadi World Cup

Mumbai, Jan 23 (UNI) Pankaj Shirsat of Maharashtra and Air India has been selected to lead the Indian challenge in the 2nd Kabaddi World Cup beginning tomorrow under the auspices of Amatuer Kabaddi Federation of India at the Karnala Sports Academy, Panvel, near here.

This the first time a player from Maharashtra has got the honour to lead the country at the international level.

A 12-member team was announced by Janardan Singh Gehlot, the President of AKFI and the convenor of the national selection committee.

The Indian team includes ten players that won the Gold medal at the Asian games last month. Ramesh Kumar (Sr) of Haryana and Rajeev of Bihar have been dropped from the team that won the gold at the Asian Games at Doha. The two, who have gained the nod of the selectors in their place, are Uday Chauta (Banks Sports Board) and Ramesh Kumar (Jr) of Haryana.

India had won the inaugural World Cup in Mumbai in 2004.

They face a stiff challenge from neighbours Pakistan, Iran and fast improving Japan, though the host are being projected as the firm favourites for the title.

The team includes three players from the Services and Maharashtra, two from Rajasthan, and one each from Haryana, B S B, Punjab and Railways.

Indian Team: Pankaj Shirsat (Maharashtra - Captain), Rakesh Kumar (Railways-Vice Captain), Dinesh Kumar (Maharashtra), Vikas Kumar, Navin Kumar , Sukhveer Singh (All Services), Navneet Gautam, Suresh Kumar (Both Rajasthan), Gaurav Shetty (Maharashtra), Ramesh Kumar Jr (Haryana), Uday Chauta (BSB), Manpreet Singh (Punjab).

COACHES : Balwan Singh (Services), Uday Kumar (CRPF). MANAGER: Sharad Kadam (Maharashtra).

UNI