In a significant development for the sport in Punjab, kabaddi players are now entitled to a comprehensive health, injury, and accident insurance coverage of Rs 1 crore. This pioneering initiative, believed to be a first for the sport in the state, was orchestrated by former player turned promoter Inderjit Singh Sekhon. The insurance policy provides worldwide validity and is set to run for a period of three years, offering unprecedented financial security to athletes.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the impetus behind this landmark coverage stems from Sekhon’s own career-ending leg injury sustained decades ago. Sekhon, who represented his village team, later played for the Punjab State Electricity Board, and participated in international matches, including a notable encounter against Pakistan in the 1990s, experienced firsthand the devastating impact of an injury on a player’s livelihood. The lack of adequate financial support for treatment in those times left him unable to continue his career.
Sekhon articulated that his motivation is rooted in personal experience rather than business acumen. “In those days, kabaddi was not a rich game like it is today. Players did not have money for good treatment of their injuries,” he stated. After establishing a successful real estate business, Sekhon transitioned to organizing kabaddi tournaments over the past few years. Despite the increased financial stakes in the sport today, he observed that many young players continue to struggle with the costs of medical treatment, often exhausting their earnings on rehabilitation. He believes this insurance policy will serve as a transformative factor for the athletes.
Currently, seven prominent players have been brought under the ambit of this insurance scheme. These include well-known figures on the kabaddi circuit such as Bullet Khiranwali, Amba Soor Singh, Amrit Aulakh, Chhota Nath, Dulla Chattha, Jaggu Hakamwalian, and Fateh Jand. The inclusion of these players marks the initial phase of the initiative, with expectations of further expansion.
The global validity of the insurance cover addresses a crucial aspect of modern professional sports. Top kabaddi players from Punjab frequently travel for overseas tournaments and tours, and the risk of incurring substantial medical expenses in a foreign country, far from familiar support systems, is a significant concern. The financial implications of an injury are also profound, as players often earn on a per-match basis. A serious injury can abruptly halt their income, which for a top player can amount to up to Rs 1 crore in a single season if they remain injury-free.
Experts and observers of the sport have lauded the initiative as a long-overdue measure. Dr. Sukhdarshan Singh Chahal, a renowned kabaddi commentator and author, highlighted that this is the first instance of any kabaddi player receiving such comprehensive insurance. “Kabaddi is a high-intensity, body-contact game, and injuries are normal. Insurance will help players get timely and effective medical treatment. I have been commentating on kabaddi for long and have seen many careers destroyed by injuries,” he remarked.
Sekhon further elaborated on the historical treatment of players, suggesting they have often been marginalized and treated as mere assets by event organizers. This new insurance scheme aims to shift that paradigm, providing a safety net that acknowledges the inherent risks and physical demands of the sport.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
