The World Kabaddi Cup, which will start on April 3, had made headlines in sports magasines for reports that 13 of its players tested positive for anabolic steroids and stimulants. The test conducted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) last March 20 was part of the pre-tournament drug testing of the players. The anti-doping agency conducts various drug tests for most professional sports organizations. Different sports leagues under the supervision of WADA should follow the standards in testing and follows whatever sanction or penalty it imposes.

Groups lobbying for a clean and dope free world cup was able to prove their allegations that there are some players who may be involved in the use of performance enhancing drugs. Kabaddi is not spared from the use of steroids since it is also a physical sport. Officials and other participants were hoping that the list of players who failed the steroid test will not increase anymore since it may just put a bad reputation to the sport.

The players with positive results came from the Indian team. Of the 29 players tested, 13 showed positive for banned substances while the 16 players were free of any anabolic steroids or stimulants. According to Dr. Manmohan Singh, chairman of Anti-Doping committee, the test for the 29 players was conducted on March 20. “The anti-doping tribunal has provisionally suspended the 13 players,” he said. The suspension was already served to the players and they will be banned from taking part in any sport or event pending the final adjudication of the anti-doping body. The agency also withheld the type of steroids found on the players as part of their policy.

The incident is a big blow to India where Kabaddi became a famous sports. Sports Director Pragati Singh expressed some concern on the result of the tests. “Definitely it’s a matter of concern. Even as a player it’s a matter of concern. We want the medal with respect. We don’t want medal like this,” he said. India holds the championship title for many years and with this issue, their reputation is at stake.

Kabaddi is one of the oldest sports in India which is already a 4000 years old sports based on some online sources. It is an outdoor and indoor game combining the characteristics of both rugby and wrestling. It is played by two teams with seven members each. Kabaddi is a very popular sport in South-east Asia. The sport was already introduced in Olympics and included as a competitive sports in Asian Games since 1990. The first World Kabaddi Cup was held at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in the year 1995.

This years’ world Cup will be held in India from April 3 to 12. There will be 10 countries participating in the said event including the United States, Britain, Pakistan, Canada, Iran, Italy, Australia and Spain. With the steroid related suspension of almost half of their players, India will be facing a hard time in this competition.

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