In a significant gesture that highlights the growing cultural ties between India and Poland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the unique connection between the two nations through the sport of Kabaddi. Speaking at an event in Warsaw, PM Modi celebrated the rise of Kabaddi in Poland, acknowledging the efforts of the Polish Kabaddi Federation in promoting the sport across Europe.
A day after his remarks about the India-Poland Kabaddi connection, PM Modi met with Michal Spiczko, President of the Kabaddi Federation of Poland, and Board member Anna Kalbarczyk. During the meeting, PM Modi commended Spiczko and Kalbarczyk for their dedication to advancing Kabaddi in Poland and for their role in popularizing the traditional Indian sport in Europe. According to an official release, the Prime Minister highlighted how sports like Kabaddi play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cultural exchange between countries.
In his keynote address to the Indian community in Warsaw, PM Modi remarked on the deep-rooted connection between India and Poland, which extends even to the grassroots level through Kabaddi. “You know that Kabaddi is played in every village in Bharat. This game reached Poland from Bharat, and the people of Poland have taken Kabaddi to new heights,” said PM Modi. He further noted Poland’s impressive achievements in the sport, including being crowned European Kabaddi champions for two consecutive years.
The Prime Minister also expressed his best wishes to the Polish Kabaddi team as they prepare to host the upcoming Kabaddi championship starting on August 24, 2023. This marks the first time that Poland will host such a championship, reflecting the country’s growing prominence in the sport on the European stage.
PM Modi’s remarks extended beyond sports, touching on the broader cultural connections between India and Poland. He highlighted how Indians, with their deep appreciation for diversity, easily blend into societies around the world, including in Poland. “In Poland, there is a longstanding tradition of learning about and understanding Bharat. This is also evident in the universities here,” he noted, referencing the presence of Indian studies and languages like Tamil and Sanskrit in Polish universities. He also mentioned the Warsaw University library, where quotes from the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads welcome visitors, symbolizing the rich cultural exchange between the two nations.
The Poland men’s national Kabaddi team has made significant strides in the sport, notably qualifying for the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in Ahmedabad. Their standout moment came when they defeated the then World Champions, Iran, in a preliminary group match. Poland’s growing influence in the sport is further highlighted by the participation of Polish players in India’s Pro Kabaddi League. Michal Spiczko, a star defender from Poland, made history as the first European to play in the Pro Kabaddi League when he was signed by the Bengaluru Bulls in 2015. He continued with the team in the 2016 edition of the competition. More recently, Piotr Pamulak became the second Polish player to feature in the league after being picked up by Bengaluru Bulls in the 2023 player auction.
As Kabaddi continues to build bridges between India and Poland, the sport stands as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the deepening bonds between nations through shared passions.
