Chandigarh, Mar 29 (IANS): In a major embarrassment before the inaugural Kabaddi World Cup starting at Patiala April 3, thirteen of the 29 Indian players have failed a dope test.

The samples of the players were collected March 20 and sent for testing at National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi. The tests have returned positive, said an official of Punjab sports department, one of the organisers of Kabaddi World Cup, here Monday.

"We have informed the players about the test report. We would follow the findings of this report but at the same time players are free to get their samples tested at any other laboratory if they have any doubt over the report," the official informed.

The players who tested positive will be barred from taking part in the tournament.

"We had informed all the players well in advance that anybody found taking drugs or prohibited medicines will not be allowed to participate in the tournament. All foreign players would also have to go through the dope test," said Bikram Singh Majithia, Akali Dal legislator and senior vice-chairperson of the organizing committee.

The dope tests have been made mandatory for the players of all participating teams. The National Anti-Doping Agency can collect the samples of players even during the competition.

NDTL is accredited to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Teams from 10 different countries including the US, Canada, Australia and Italy will participate in the event. After the opening day at Patiala, the 10-day event will spread across eight cities of Punjab.