Bhatkal to host state-level kabaddi tournament from November 27; 10 teams from across Karnataka to participate

Bhatkal: A state-level kabaddi tournament will be held at Yunus Kazia Ground, near the Ice Factory in Bhatkal, from November 27 to 29, with 10 teams from different parts of Karnataka expected to take part.

Announcing the tournament at a press conference, Maulana Azeezur Rahman Nadvi, who was present along with members and office-bearers of the Bhatkal Taluk Kabaddi Association, said teams from Mangaluru, Udupi, Karwar district, Gadag, Haveri, Ballari, Shivamogga and Chitradurga, among other places, would participate in the event.

He said the tournament would provide an opportunity for teams from across the state to showcase their skills. A separate competition involving four teams from Bhatkal would also be held at the same venue.

The organisers also aim to provide local youngsters with an opportunity to display their talent. Teams representing the North, South and Central zones will compete, following which players will be selected for national-level and Pro Kabaddi tournaments, he said.

The matches will be held from 5 pm to 11.30 pm, and the organisers will follow the rules laid down by the federation.

Nadvi appealed to people from both Hindu and Muslim communities, as well as kabaddi enthusiasts and members of the public, to attend the tournament and support the event.

He said Bhatkal had a strong tradition of kabaddi, with many people actively playing the sport during their childhood. However, the town had not hosted such competitions for the past three to four years. The lack of good players at the national level had also affected opportunities for local teams to participate in tournaments, he said.

The organisers hope that the upcoming event will give local youngsters a platform to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.

The tournament is being sponsored by Karnataka Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly Mangal Vidya.

Nadvi expressed confidence that the event would be successful and urged the public to participate in large numbers.