Patiala: It is usually a norm to run after crowds during functions and filling buses to ensure presence at political gatherings. The Kabaddi World Cup, starting from November 1, has however turned the tables with villagers requesting politicians in their constituencies to arrange free transportation to the venues. They are further pressing for free VIP passes, which are limited, to ensure a seat at the show.

In a unique turn of events, instead of politicians going out of their ways to ensure heavy rush and arranging for villagers, a day ahead of the World Cup, the Punjab Government’s brainchild, euphoria is in the air with villagers rushing to politicians to ensure best seating places at the venues.

Sources confirmed that barring the opening ceremony, which would see the presence of Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan, where the rush is obvious, the organisers are receiving many requests for passes at all other venues across the State for the 20-day event starting tomorrow.

A senior politician from Faridkot told The Tribune that generally whenever a Government function is held, the local political leadership is asked to arrange for specific number of buses to ferry party workers at the venue. However, this time around, things are totally different. “This time we are asking the party high command for more and more buses to ensure all our workers are happy and adjusted at the venues,” he said.

Interestingly the tournament has come at the right time, giving ample opportunity to the Akali leaders to ensure maximum participation from their respective constituencies ahead of the upcoming elections.

“We are getting a huge demand for free passes and everyone, especially the youth, is interested to watch the spectacular event in Patiala,” said Surjit Singh Rakhra, a former Samana MLA. “Instead of us trying to arrange people, the rural belt is too keen to watch the matches as kabaddi is a very popular sport.”

Fourteen teams from across the globe would be touring parts of Punjab including Bathinda, Patiala, Sangrur, Faridkot, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Muktsar, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Mansa, Gurdaspur and Moga.

“All preparations are complete and the response we are getting is overwhelming,” claimed Joint Director of Sports, Sohan Lal Lottey. “There is a shortage of passes at all venues and though around 3500 VIP passes are being distributed at all venues, we are unable to meet every demand.”

The Tribune