Bangladesh face England in Kabaddi WC opener Saturday

The third edition of the Kabaddi World Cup got underway on Friday in Ahmedabad, India with the participation of 12 teams. Bangladesh have been placed in Group A along with hosts and two-time winners India, South Korea, Australia, Argentina and England while Group B comprises two-time runners-up Iran, Thailand, Japan, USA, Kenya and Poland. The men in red and green will take on England in their tournament opener on Saturday at 7:20pm. Prior to their departure, Bangladesh skipper Arduzzaman said they are targeting a silver medal in the World Cup where they have finished third in both the editions. The World Cup is being held after a nine-year hiatus. “We desire to retain the bronze medal but our target is to claim the silver. India are hot favourites in our pool so our main opposition are South Korea. If we can defeat them, we can rightfully expect a silver,” said Arduzzaman. Bangladesh have seven new faces in the squad and prepared for the tournament for the best part of the last two months. They did not play any practice matches during this time but are scheduled to contest a few warm-up games against Indian domestic sides before their opening tie. Bangladesh Edible Oil Limited is sponsoring the side.