Bathinda (Punjab), Nov 30

The fourth edition of the Rs.20 crore sporting extravaganza World Kabaddi Cup (WCK) got off to a colourful start in this Punjab town.

Kabaddi teams from 20 nations will vie for the title, out of which 12 teams are in the men's section and eight teams in the women section. The matches will be held across Punjab till Dec 14.

The WCK will see kabaddi teams from various countries vying for prize money of nearly Rs.7 crore.

An all-women kabaddi team from Pakistan has also arrived for the first time to participate in the WCK.

The tournament was declared open by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal amid performances by artistes and dancers from the state.

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra also performed on the occasion.

Pakistan Punjab's Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif will visit Punjab's industrial hub Ludhiana Dec 14 for the closing ceremony of the WCK.

The team from India has won all three previous editions of the kabaddi tournament.

Teams from India, Pakistan, Iran, England, Spain, Denmark, Scotland, US, Canada, Argentina, Sierra Leone and Kenya would participate in men's section, whereas in women section, teams from India, Pakistan, England, Denmark, US, Mexico, Kenya and New Zealand would participate.

By:IANS