“PM Modi was really proud that we introduced Kabaddi to Europe”:Poland Kabaddi Federation board member

Warsaw [Poland], August 23 (ANI): Board member of the Kabaddi Federation of Poland, Anna Kalbarczyk, said on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a great wisdom regarding the sport of Kabaddi, adding that the Indian leader was proud that Poland has introduced Kabaddi to Europe.

PM Modi, who was in Poland for a two-day visit, met Michal Spiczko, President of the Kabaddi Federation of Poland, and Anna Kalbarczyk, Board Member, Kabaddi Federation of Poland, in Warsaw.

“He was really proud that we introduced Kabaddi to Europe and I think he has a great wisdom regarding Kabaddi and the philosophy that stands behind this. He was really happy that we introduced not only sport as a sport but also the philosophy to children, youngsters and adult people just to create a league and promote Kabaddi as a sport for everyone,” Kalbarczyk said after meeting PM Modi.

PM Modi commended Spiczko and Kalbarczyk for their dedication towards advancing Kabaddi in Poland and popularising the sport in Europe, an official release said.

He highlighted the role of sports in fostering bilateral relations and cultural exchange between India and Poland.

Earlier, during his address to the Indian community in Warsaw, PM Modi saod that Poland and Indians also have a connection through kabaddi.

“You know that kabaddi is played in every village in Bharat. This game reached Poland from Bharat, and the people of Poland have taken kabaddi to new heights. Poland has been the European kabaddi champion for two consecutive years. I have been informed that a kabaddi championship is going to be held again from August 24, and for the first time, Poland is hosting it. I would like to extend my best wishes to the Polish kabaddi team through you,” PM Modi said.

He also said Indians know how to live with diversity, and how to celebrate it.

The Poland men’s national team qualified for the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in Ahmedabad. Their shining moment came when they defeated then-World Champions Iran in a preliminary group match.

Two Polish players have taken part in India’s Pro Kabaddi League. Polish star defender Michal Spickzo was the first European to play in the Pro Kabaddi League when he was bought by the Bengaluru Bulls in 2015. He was with the team in the 2016 edition of the competition as well.

Piotr Pamulak became the second Polish player to feature in the Pro Kabaddi League after he was picked up by Bengaluru Bulls in the 2023 player auction.