Former Kabaddi Player's Initiative Ensures Global Insurance Protection for Seven Players

: In a first for Punjab's kabaddi history, seven prominent players have been provided insurance coverage of Rs 1 crore each for three years. The initiative, taken by kabaddi promoter and organiser Inderjit Singh Sekhon of Phullanwal village in Ludhiana, aims to provide financial security to players in case of illness, injuries or accidents.
 

The insurance policy will offer protection across the world, including during international tournaments. The move is particularly significant for kabaddi players who spend a considerable part of the year travelling abroad to participate in competitions, where medical treatment can be expensive.
 

Sekhon's initiative is rooted in his own experience as a kabaddi player. He had to end his sporting career after suffering a serious leg injury while playing the game. He began his journey with his village team before representing the Punjab State Electricity Board team and participating in international competitions.
 

One of the significant moments of his playing career was a match against Pakistan in the 1990s. However, an injury sustained during a match eventually forced him to leave the sport.
 

Decades later, Sekhon has decided to use that experience to improve the financial and medical security of kabaddi players.
 

Insurance to Reduce Financial Burden of Medical Treatment
 

Sekhon said kabaddi was not a financially rewarding sport during his playing days, and players often struggled to afford proper medical treatment after sustaining injuries.
 

He later entered the property business and began organising kabaddi tournaments over the past few years. During this period, he observed that despite the growing money in the sport, young players continue to face financial difficulties when they require medical treatment.
 

He pointed out that several players end up spending their entire earnings on medical expenses following serious injuries. The insurance initiative, he believes, will help address this problem and ensure that players do not have to struggle financially to receive treatment.
 

The seven players covered under the insurance scheme are Bullet Khiranwali, Amba Soor Singh, Amrit Aulakh, Chhota Nath, Dulla Chatha, Jaggu Hakmwala and Fateh Jand.
 

Global Coverage to Benefit Players Competing Abroad
 

One of the key features of the insurance policy is its worldwide coverage. Several leading kabaddi players from Punjab spend much of the year participating in tournaments outside India.
 

Medical treatment in foreign countries can involve substantial expenses, particularly when players suffer serious injuries during competitions.
 

Kabaddi players are generally paid according to their match appearances and performances. A top-level player who remains injury-free can earn up to Rs 1 crore during a single season. However, a serious injury can suddenly bring such earnings to an end.
 

The insurance cover is expected to provide financial protection in such circumstances and help players access timely medical care.
 

Kabaddi Experts Welcome the Initiative
 

Kabaddi commentator and writer Dr Sukh Darshan Singh Chahal described the initiative as an important step that was needed for the sport.
 

He said kabaddi involves physical strength and intense body contact, making injuries a common occurrence. Insurance coverage would help players receive timely and quality medical treatment without facing unnecessary financial pressure.
 

Chahal added that he had personally witnessed several players being forced to end their sporting careers because of injuries.
 

Sekhon also expressed concern over the treatment of kabaddi players, saying they had not received fair support for a long time. He remarked that organisers had often treated players as their personal property rather than recognising their needs and rights.
 

The three-year insurance coverage for seven prominent players marks an important step towards improving player welfare and providing greater financial security in Punjab's kabaddi community.