Polish Kabaddi player Michael Spiczko, who is a member of Bengaluru Bulls team, today said by next year this ancient Indian sport would become a huge rage in his country because of the game's ever-growing popularity.
"If you ask me, by next year, kabaddi will be a huge thing in Poland. There is a growing number of fans and people, wanting to play kabaddi. I only hope this happens," Spiczko told PTI ahead of his team's match against U Mumba here.
Asked whether the sport was getting government or private support in Poland, Spiczko said: "Nothing formal right now, but there is a lot of attention. So, if there is lot of attention, then sponsors and media attention would follow."
Asked whether there has been any attempt in Poland to hold Pro-Kabaddi type tournaments, Spiczko said, "We need time to develop and grow big, but there are more and more people who are interested in kabaddi."
Spiczko said kabaddi in Poland is at its nascent stage but it is becoming bigger with every passing day.
"Kabaddi is at its nascent stage in Poland, but is becoming bigger and bigger each day. Kabaddi is an interesting sport because it is a team sport and a contact sport, and the Polish people like such sports," he said.
Spiczko said despite foreign players joining the team late due to visa issues, they have managed to gel with the Indian players which is crucial for any side to be competitive.
"The Indian players are very open. May be they are not speaking English very well, but the feeling is great. You and I learn a lot. I think the spirit is huge between us. So, even in the short period of time, we can do a lot," he said.
Spiczko said instead of focusing on getting through to the knockout stages, Bengaluru Bulls are concentrating on winning the championship.
"We are not focusing on qualifying for the knockouts, but our focus is to win the championship itself. We are working towards that goal," he said.
Asked about his playing chances, Spiczko said: "Whether I am playing or not, does not make any difference to me. It does not matter to me. The team should win whenever they play. That's the main thing for me," he said.
