It’s a game that gives a player the much needed kick while he chants, its own name while playing. It’s a game where one can sense the rustic smell of the earth. Yes, it’s ‘Kabaddi,’ one of the rural sports that has come a long way from just being a rural activity.
Now, under the initiative of Mashal Sports, the indigenous sport of Kabaddi, which probably is also the oldest, is set to definitely become a popular one in the country, in the coming days.
It is going to be time for ‘Pro Kabaddi’, a league similar to the IPL, consisting of teams representing eight cities, with the support of International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), the Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF) & the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI). The eight teams are Bengal Warriors, Jaipu Pink Panthers, Telugu Titans, Bengaluru Bulls, Patna Pirates, U Mumba, Dabang Delhi and Puneri Paltan.
“When I started to play Kabaddi at the age of 7 years, I never thought that I will play it at a national level”, said an excited Rishank Devadiga, a player of ‘U’Mumba.
Rishank Devadiga, a Mangalorean settled in Mumbai got his first chance to play professional Kabaddi when he was working with Hotel Leela International. He got a call from Dena Bank – Kabaddi coach and he was requested to play, since then Rishank has not looked back.
After representing Maharashtra and winning the bronze medal at the 2012 National Championship, he is all set to be part of ‘ProKabaddi’.
In a candid talk with News Karnataka, Rishank said, “I have strived very hard to reach here. A sport like Kabaddi was not encouraged earlier, But today it’s different. I am completely sure that the people as well as the youth will appreciate it”, he added.
Speaking on the worldwide recognition, Rishank firmly says that Kabaddi is no more a rural sport, it has its history in India but international players are participating in the team and it has already received worldwide acceptance.
As Rishank says ‘ProKabaddi’is the next level and I am going to give my 100% to make a mark.”
The traditional Indian game Kabaddi was devised as a way to develop the physical strength and speed in young men. Kabaddi has a history since Mahabharata and what started as a local game in rural areas has reached new heights.
The other Kabaddi players from the region who have made Tulunadu proud, are Sukesh Hegde and Prashanth Rai both players representing ‘Telegu Titans’.
Sukesh Hegde who is a resident of Mangalore represented Karnataka in Senior National Championship in 2014. Sukesh said, “Kabaddi was a rural sport and symbolized as an unorganized game, however presently it has a worldwide participation as well as viewership.”
“Currently the scope is positive. With this initiative rural sport will be popularized, which will probably give an opportunity for other such sports to come up”, added Sukesh.
On the other hand, Prashanth Rai, a resident of Puttur who plays for Vijaya Bank said, “I am happy and fortunate to be a participant in the game.”
He said that the corporate world has motivated the sport and it is in best interest of everyone.
“If I get an opportunity to encourage the sport in the region I will surely do so,” said the youngster who is bubbling with confidence.
The countdown has already began for ‘ProKabaddi – 2014’ which is slated to commence on 26 July, eight teams will vie for the top honours.
Kabaddi is highly neglected with the complete absence of this game from the school curriculum. Still, if encouraged, the schools can produce talented Kabaddi players and there is a need for the authorities to put in efforts to popularise this rural sport.
Hoping ‘ProKabaddi – 2014’ will create magic for Kabaddi, like the IPL did for cricket, and encourage youngsters to play the game and excel.
About the game Kabaddi
It involves two teams of seven in which players take turns to “raid” the opposing teams half of a rectangular pitch. The “raider” tries to touch as many members of the opposing team as possible while chanting “kabaddi” without taking a breath. Opponents try to block his exit from their half without being touched. This is probably the only game of offence and defence in which attack is an individual attempt, while defence is a combined effort.
