Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Apr 1: "Dakshina Kannada district amateur Kabaddi association in collaboration with Jaya Karnataka organisation, will be organizing a national-level pro Kabaddi tournament on April 15, 16 and 17 at Panambur beach from 4.30 pm to 10.30 pm." The information was announced by Rakesh Malli, president of DK District Amateur Kabaddi association at a press meet he addressed at Hotel Quality on April 1, here.

Malli said, "The tournament will be held on mats laid out on the shore of the beach. This makes the tournament the first of its kind in the history of India. The main aim of this competition is to provide the talented kabbadi players with a platform where they can showcase their talent and thereby be a pride to the district, state and nation. So far, 20 teams have confirmed their participation and many more are expected to take part."

"National level teams like Air India, BPCL, ONGC, Mahindra and Mahindra, Vijaya Bank, State Bank of Mysore, HAL, MIG, Central Railway, Karnataka State Police, RWF, Tamilnadu Police and many other teams from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and other states will be participating. About 80 percent of pro kabbadi participants will also take part in the competition."

Winner of first place will be awarded Rs 2 lac, second place, Rs 1.25 lac, third place Rs 75,000 and fourth Rs 75,000 respectively. Individuals will receive cash prizes and trophies for their performance in different categories like good catcher, rider and so on."

Chief patron of DK District Amateur Kabaddi association, A Sadananda Shetty, secretary Purushothama Poojary, treasurer Mohith Suvarna and others were present.