The 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship is currently underway at the Sama Indoor Stadium in Vadodara, providing a platform for emerging players to demonstrate their skills. Rakesh Kumar, a selector appointed by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), expressed satisfaction with the quality of performances after the opening day.
According to Kumar, the competition has seen strong showings from experienced players active in the Pro Kabaddi League, as well as a promising display by numerous young talents at the Nationals. Teams like Haryana, featuring players such as Ayan and Vijay Malik, have shown notable strength, with Railways and Services also standing out as formidable contenders.
Noteworthy performances include Vidarbha’s commendable effort against Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat’s victory over Punjab. These matches underscore the sport’s growth nationwide. Kumar attributed this progress to the Pro Kabaddi League and the federation’s efforts in organizing events both in India and abroad, fostering a vibrant kabaddi ecosystem that has inspired a surge in youth participation.
The selector highlighted the importance of domestic tournaments like the Senior and Junior Nationals in nurturing talent and shaping careers. He emphasized that these competitions not only provide exposure but also pave the way for future opportunities, including participation in the Pro Kabaddi League and access to government and services jobs through certificates and medals.
The 72nd Senior Men’s National Kabaddi Championship, featuring 29 teams and around 400 players, will continue in Vadodara until February 27.
