New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Sports Minister Vijay Goel and International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) President Janardan Singh Gehlot on Wednesday formally unveiled the logo of the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, to be held at The Arena by TransStadia in Ahmedabad from October 7 to 22.
A total of 12 teams including hosts India will vie for the top honours in the tournament which has been divided into two groups of six teams each.
The hosts are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, South Korea, Australia, England and Argentina while Group B comprises United States, Iran, Poland, Thailand, Japan and Kenya.
India will take on South Korea in the opener on October 7 while the US will lock horns with Iran in the other group.
The teams will play in a round robin league format, while the semi-finals will be played on October 21 and the final is slated for October 22.
The logo is derived from the natural heritage of Gujarat, the Asiatic Lion, symbolising the ferocity of a Kabaddi defender and the agility of a raider.
After unveiling the logo, Goel said: "I am extremely happy to see Kabaddi going global across Olympic geographies through the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup. It is the perfect time to highlight the giant leaps that Kabaddi has taken over the past few years to propel the sport on the path of global recognition."
Gehlot on his part said: "Every successful global sport has a marquee international event. With 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, the IKF aims to establish a global property for our home-grown Kabaddi. This is the most opportune moment for Kabaddi to gain much deserved recognition and appreciation on the global stage."
