India and Poland, separated by vast geographical distances, have forged an unexpected bond through the captivating sport of kabaddi. This ancient Indian game has captivated Polish youth, leading to remarkable achievements and a shared passion between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his official visit to Poland, highlighted the “kabaddi connection” between the countries. He acknowledged Poland’s success in the sport, including their European Championship titles and representation at the Kabaddi World Cups.
To further strengthen this connection, PM Modi met with the captains of Poland’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams. The sport’s popularity in Poland stems from its resemblance to European games like tag and wrestling.
The introduction of kabaddi in Poland is attributed to Abhishek Sharma, an Indian who moved to the country in 2007. With the support of the International Kabaddi Federation, Sharma launched the “Kabaddi Project” in 2010. Through his unwavering dedication and financial investment, he has played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport.
Poland’s men’s national team made a remarkable debut at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in India, defeating the reigning champions Iran. This achievement showcased the growing potential of kabaddi in Poland.
The current visit by Prime Minister Modi is expected to further enhance the kabaddi connection between India and Poland. This shared passion for the sport has fostered a unique bond between the two countries, transcending geographical barriers and uniting them through the thrill and camaraderie of kabaddi.
