United States hopes to make immediate impact in ancient sport of kabaddi
ESPN, Thomas Nuemann
The ancient sport of kabaddi was born in India an estimated 4,000 years ago.
Imagine trying to learn it in six weeks, then playing against the top competitors in the world.
That's the challenge facing the United States team in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in Ahmedabad, India. But it's a test the American players are eager to embrace as they learn the finer points of a sport that might best be described as a combination of wrestling and tag.
Troy Bacon & Co. smitten by kabaddi
SportStar, G. Viswanath
Troy Bacon has played American football for the Alabama State University. As a recreation, he has also played basketball and taken part in track and field events. Now Troy is playing for Patna Pirates in the ProKabaddi League (PKL), which according to the dreadlocked player is the best in the world.
“I think we could have kabaddi in the Pan-American Games. It is a great way to unite people of the American continent through kabaddi,” says Troy on the sidelines of the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in Ahmedabad.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ROAD TO THE WORLD CUP
OCTOBER 2019
The United States Men's National Kabaddi Team competed on a national platform for the first time at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in Ahmedabad, India in October 2016. The players faced 5 teams and were acknowledged by the media for their charisma and enthusiasm in the sport.
The 2019 Kabaddi World Cup is happening in Dubai, UAE. This international event will showcase the the team and grow its footprint to all 50 states within the US! The USA team is seeking skilled and dedicated athletes to join the roster. Tryouts will be held in Atlanta, GA in August 2019.