Complete guide to Kabaddi World Cup 2016: Groups, fixtures, dates

New Delhi, Sep 15: The 2016 Kabaddi World Cup kicks off on October 7, 2016 in Ahmedabad. It will be the biggest Kabaddi extravaganza of the year as teams from 12 countries are going to participate in the event.

Besides hosts India, other participating nations in the tournament are USA, England, Australia, Iran, Poland, Thailand, Bangladesh, South Korea, Japan, Argentina and Kenya.

Your complete guide to Kabaddi World Cup 2016: Groups, fixtures, dates

India are the defending champions, and also the favourites this year, who defeated Pakistan in 2014 WC final. Manjeet Chhillar will be leading the Indian side.

There is still doubt over Pakistan's participation in the event.

Here is all that you need to know about the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup:

No. of teams:

12 teams, divided in two groups of six each.

No. of Groups:

2 pools.

Pool A:

India, Bangladesh, South Korea, Australia, England and Argentina.

Pool B:

Iran, Thailand, Japan, USA, Poland and Kenya.

Format:

All the league matches will be held in 'Round Robin format'. Top 2 sides from both the pools will qualify for semi-finals.

Venue:

All matches will be held in Ahmedabad at the brand new state-of-the-art stadium, The Arena by TransStadia.

Broadcaster:

Star Sports - India

Event will also be televised in Australia, USA, Canada, EU, UK, New Zealand.

Logo for 2016 Kabaddi World Cup:

Deriving from the natural heritage of Gujarat, The Asiatic Lion, the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup logo symbolizes the ferocity of a Kabaddi defender and the agility of a raider.

Schedule and fixtures:

7 October:

India Vs South Korea (8.00 PM IST)

USA Vs Iran

8 October:

England Vs Bangladesh

Poland Vs Kenya

India Vs Australia

9 October:

South Korea Vs Argentina

USA Vs Japan

Thailand Vs Iran