Pics: Vivek Cornelio

Udupi, Dec 12: The national level Kabaddi meet organized by SK Sports Club began at Udyavar here. The programme began with a welcome by Errol Gonsalves.

Speaking on the occassion, Sudarshan, president of Kabaddi Association of Udupi taluk mentioned that it is a matter of pride for India and the district since Mamatha Poojari played a major role in helping India win a gold medal and also won the yellow metal in the finals of  Asian Games. He also regretted that kabaddi is losing importance and becoming less popular.

Chief guest, Manvi Agarwal, who is very famous among kannada audience due to her reality show " Pyate Hudigiru Halli Life" and " Halli Hyda Pyatege Banda" was also present .She said she has  been a huge fan of kabaddi from the very beginning .She recalled that she was the captain of her college team.

The Inaugration was done by breaking of coconut by Yashpal Suvarna, Manvi Agarwal and Manjunath
Udyavar. The inauguration match was played in the presence of the dignitaries.

The tournament will consist of 12 teams among males and 6 teams among female category. The first place among the male category will cary a cash prize of Rs 30,000 and the female category Rs 15,000 Rs.The second place winners will be given away a cash prize of Rs 9,000 apart from other individual prizes.

Display of fireworks was also held. The programme will be telecast live by V4U.

KPCC member Manjunath Udyavar, industrialists Vilas Nayak and Yashpal Suvarna, corporation president Kiran Kumar,  Sudhakar Shetty, Sudarshan and Prem Margaret were present.