BATHINDA – The second edition of the Kabaddi World Cup took off amidst a glittering ceremony at the Bathinda multipurpose stadium this evening. Kabaddi fans began taking seats at the stadium as early as 3 pm. Ministers and MLAs known for arriving late were also well in time.
A rough estimate put the turnout at above 20,000. The stadium has a capacity for 10,000. Adrenaline ran high as Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan arrived at the venue at about 7.45 pm. A huge crowd of kabaddi fans reached out for him.
The stadium broke into a thunderous applause.
Before SRK’s arrival, all the 14 teams participating in the cup held a parade with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal taking the salute.
WWE wrestler Khali’s entry in an open jeep along with bhangra, gidda, jhoomar and luddi performers drew a deafening applause.
The event was declared open with athletes handing over the baton to the Chief Minister and Bollywood icon SRK.
