Twenty teams from all over the world have been extended invitation for the tournament, announced Janardan Singh Gehlot, President - International Kabaddi Federation, Asian Kabaddi Federation and Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India today.
Apart from India, other nations which are expected to take part in the competition are Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Australia, England, Canada, USA, Italy and Mexico.
Gehlot said that in last couple of years, kabaddi has gained tremendous popularity and international kabaddi federation receives at least one enquiry every month from a new country that wants to play the sport.
He attributed the simplicity of the game as main reason for it.
The last two World Cups, which were held in Mumbai and Panvel, attracted 12 and 14 teams, respectively, and Gehlot said "we are sure that this time 16 teams will definitely take part in the event".