Kabaddi in Canada explained

Kabaddi (particularly circle kabaddi)[1] is a sport mainly played by the South Asian community in Canada. A number of club competitions take place in Canada,[2] some of which attract players from countries such as India.[3]

History

Kabaddi is noted for being particularly popular amongst the Punjabi community in Canada.[4] It has become a popular high school sport in some parts of Surrey.[5] [6] [7] Millions of dollars have been invested into kabaddi stadiums in Brampton and Surrey.[8] [9] [10]

Kabaddi tournaments receive support from local businesses,[11] as well as politicians who use them to obtain Punjabi votes. The tournaments have also been used to incentivize South Asians to avoid gang involvement.[12] [13] [14]

Controversy

Kabaddi has been alleged to have ties to gangsterism; for example, the National Kabaddi Association President, Kamaljit Singh ‘Neetu’ Kang, was targeted in a drive-by shooting. Other allegations include links to people-smuggling and drug abuse; of the 261 Indian kabaddi players who entered Canada between 2014 and 2017, only about half returned to India.[15]

Canadians involved in kabaddi have also been alleged to have been involved in drug-related crimes in India.[16]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2023-05-07 . Canada Calling: Kabaddi and crime in maple country . 2023-09-19 . The Indian Express . en.
  2. Web site: 2023-07-25 . Have you played kabaddi? Hard-hitting sport coming to Windsor for inaugural tournament . 2023-09-19 . Windsor . en.
  3. Web site: 2013-11-30 . On high ground . 2023-09-19 . Hindustan Times . en.
  4. https://vancouversun.com/news/metro/feds-open-door-to-more-foreign-players-for-controversial-sport-of-kabaddi Feds open door to more foreign players for kabaddi
  5. Web site: 2022-05-19 . PHOTOS: Kabaddi players raid and stop in Surrey as the sport takes root in local high schools . 2023-09-19 . Surrey Now-Leader . en.
  6. Web site: Mall . posted by: Rattan . 2017-06-07 . Kabaddi takes off in a spectacular manner in Surrey schools (update: semi-finals results) . 2023-09-19 . Indo-Canadian Voice . en-CA.
  7. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/kabaddi-surrey-high-school-brings-generations-1.4148940 Surrey high school Kabaddi league brings generations together
  8. Web site: Guardian . Graeme Frisque Brampton . 2023-06-26 . 'Never seen a tournament that big': Popularity of Punjabi contact sport Kabaddi exploding in Brampton . 2023-09-19 . Brampton Guardian . en.
  9. Web site: New $3.7 million Kabaddi stadium is coming to Surrey Urbanized . 2023-09-19 . dailyhive.com . en.
  10. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/brampton-kabaddi-players-to-get-new-stadium-1.1130702 Brampton Kabaddi players to get new stadium
  11. Web site: Witt . Emily . 2008-10-30 . Indian sport kabaddi comes to Queens . 2023-09-19 . Queens Chronicle . en.
  12. Web site: 2018-07-15 . 'Kabaddi' world cup diverts Surrey youth from gangs . 2023-09-19 . British Columbia . en.
  13. Web site: 2019-07-16 . PHOTOS/VIDEO: Anti-gang focus for youth Kabaddi World Cup at Surrey park . 2023-09-19 . Surrey Now-Leader . en.
  14. Web site: Reporter . Roveena Jassal Staff . 2023-06-18 . Kabaddi season kicks off in Canada . 2023-09-19 . Toronto Star . en.
  15. https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-half-of-indian-athletes-who-came-to-canada-failed-to-go-home Douglas Todd: Half of Indian athletes who came to Canada failed to go home
  16. Web site: 2014-03-03 . After drugs, money laundering taint hits Punjab kabaddi . 2023-09-19 . Hindustan Times . en.