Dubai may host 2019 Kabaddi World Cup

Dubai: Dubai is all set to host the fourth edition of the Kabaddi World Cup in 2019.

This will be the main agenda of discussion in the International Kabaddi Federation's annual general body meeting that will take place here on June 29, on the sidelines of the six-nation Kabaddi Masters Dubai.

The IKF president Janardan Singh Gehlot said here that their main objective to organise the one-off Kabaddi Masters here was to organise the World Cup in 2019.

He however refused to confirm that Dubai has been confirmed as the venue.

"All the three World Cups have taken place in India. We want the sport to spread so we have arranged this preparatory tournament. Dates and venue are yet to be announced. We are assessing the pros and cons here," Gehlot said.

Pressed further, he said: "I am not here to speculate. I will only declare (the venue) when it's made official."

The six-nation Kabaddi Masters is being held at the Al Wasl Sports Club which hosted legendary Diego Maradona during his 2011-12 stint with its football team.

Argentina Kabaddi Federation president Ricardo Acuna also hinted that Dubai has "high possibility" to host the World Cup.

"The idea has been mooted now there will be discussions and IKF will also seek feedbacks from the six participating nations (India, Iran, Pakistan, Korea, Argentina and Kenya). It's definitely possible but will only be confirmed on June 29," Acuna, who brought kabaddi to the football-obsessed country in 1999, said.