A majority of international Kabaddi players taking part in the ongoing World Cup in Punjab have tried their hands in wrestling as well.
Interestingly, some of the international players taking part in the state government organised tournament, which has 14 teams taking part, were well known grapplers before they changed sport.
Jagjit Singh Jagga and Mangu Mithapuria are from Britain while Jatinder Bittu comes from Australia and Sandeep Gurdaspuria from Canada, are well-known names among Punjabi community.
Glamour coupled with money in Kabbadi is the major factor behind the inflow of wrestlers into Kabbadi arena.
Now these wrestlers are scaling heights in both fields, according to an official relase on Tuesday. Prize money in Kabbadi has increased manifold and the team winning the Cup will pocket Rs 2 crore.
Among the famous wrestlers who are now playing kabbadi England's Jiti Kounar is prominent.
He was exclusively playing wrestling before shifting to playing Kabaddi. Jiti has already won the national junior wrestling championship in England. Jasbir Singh Jassa of America is disciple of renowned Indian wrestling coach R S Kandu, who has played free style wrestling at national level.
Pakistan's Ishfak Patha is also national wrestling champion. Ishfak has won Rushtm-E-Sialkot title recently.
{{/usCountry}}Pakistan's Ishfak Patha is also national wrestling champion. Ishfak has won Rushtm-E-Sialkot title recently.
{{/usCountry}}Indian player Gurbinder Kahlwan was also a famous wrestler. American Kabbadi team is having the largest number of wrestlers, among them Meek Siatal, Dhulla Frizenu, Billa Nathu Chahal, Jasoos Ajro were playing kabbadi alongwith wrestling. Canada's Pamma Chander, Italy's Gurmail Singh Jogi, shifted from wrestling to Kabbadi.