Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyasa Kamath stressed the need to promote ‘desi’ sports like Kabaddi.
“Kabaddi should get the recognition it deserves,” said Kamath.
The legislator was addressing a gathering at the district level men and women Kabaddi championship organised by Dakshina Kannada district Amateur Kabaddi Association and Mangaluru aluk Amateur Kabaddi Association, at Karavali Utsav Maidan on Sunday.
“There was a time when cricket was everything. Now, times have changed. There is a need to promote upcoming sporting talents. It is a matter of pride that sporting talent from Dakshina Kannada has carved a niche for itself in the international sports arena,” he said.
Good quality
The MLA lamented that Mangaluru did not have an indoor stadium for Kabaddi.
The government had sanctioned Rs 1.30 crore for a Kabaddi indoor stadium. All should support for the construction of a good quality indoor stadium for Kabaddi, he stressed.
Former MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik said; “Kabaddi should get world recognition. All sports should get equal representation. Sports people should also be supported by the government,” he added.
DK district Amateur Kabaddi Association president Rakesh Malli presided over the programme. Mangaluru City Corporation Mayor Bhaskar Moily, former minister Krishna J Palemar and others were present. A total of 24 players in men’s team and 10 players in women’s team from different taluks in the DK district will contest.
Winners will get a cash reward of Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 (first, second and third place respectively), a trophy and a citation. Best Rider, catcher and disciplined player awards will be also be announced.