NO country comes close to India for Kabaddi World Cup pedigree. It’s no surprise, then, that they will start as red-hot favourites as they prepare to defend their men’s and women’s titles in the West Midlands. Both of their teams triumphed last time out in 2019 when the tournament was staged in Malaysia — the men trouncing Iraq 57-27 and women thrashing Taiwan 47-29. And the women’s team also recently triumphed 32-25 in the Asian Kabaddi Championship finals against Iran. The sport originated in India 5,000 years ago. And it is so big there that the men’s Pro Kabaddi League trails only IPL cricket when it comes to viewership figures. Following late withdrawals of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Cameroon due to last-minute visa issues, hosts England are now confident they can go deep into the competition. Skipper ‘Harry’ Hardeep Singh told SunSport: “The only team I’d say we’re worried about is India. But I think we have got a good chance.” With the pressure on to deliver, the Indian men’s squad remains under wraps in what appears a strategic move. Stars such as Vinod Kumar and Balraj Singh have been touted as possible inclusions — but for now it remains a closely-guarded secret. Singh, who is also a part-time freestyle wrestler, added: “I think everyone’s keeping their cards close to their chests. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS "I believe some of their stars are coming but nothing is out there on social media yet. “If you know somebody’s game, you can try to counteract it in defence or in raid. “It’s a big tournament. Kabaddi is the second most-watched sport in India — with the population well over a billion. “You can see from their cricket fans how important sport is to them, so I can’t blame them to be honest!”