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Kabaddi Nationals Showcase Sport's Growth: PKL Impact & Rising Talent

The 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship is underway in Vadodara, featuring 29 teams and nearly 400 players. Selector Rakesh Kumar praised the high-quality performances on the opening day, noting strong showings from both Pro Kabaddi League veterans and emerging young talent. He highlighted the impressive competitiveness of teams across the board, crediting the sport's growth to the PKL and federation-led initiatives. The tournament is seen as a crucial platform for player development and career security through government job eligibility.

Key Points: 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship Highlights Growth

  • Strong show by PKL stars & youth
  • Haryana, Railways, Services are strong
  • Growth credited to PKL & federation
  • Nationals provide career security
2 min read

72nd Sr Men's National C'ships: 'The quality on day 1 of the tournament proves kabaddi's growth,' says Rakesh Kumar

Selector Rakesh Kumar praises rising talent & nationwide growth at 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship in Vadodara.

"The team performances on the first day have been very encouraging. - Rakesh Kumar"

Vadodara, Feb 25

The 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship is happening now at the Sama Indoor Stadium in Vadodara. While it provides an important stage for emerging players to display their skills, it also highlights India's increasing strength and depth in the sport.

After the opening day, Rakesh Kumar, a selector appointed by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), shared his positive assessment of the overall quality displayed.

"The team performances on the first day have been very encouraging. Experienced players who feature regularly in the Pro Kabaddi League and a large number of young players are doing well at the Nationals," the selector said.

"Haryana is looking very strong with players like Ayan and Vijay Malik in their lineup. Railways and Services are naturally strong teams, but what stood out was how well other teams compete," he noted.

"Vidarbha played exceptionally well against Uttar Pradesh and were even leading at one stage before losing in the final minutes. Gujarat's win over Punjab was also impressive. These performances show how much kabaddi has grown across the country," he added.

"The credit for this growth goes to the Pro Kabaddi League and the federation for conducting events in India and abroad. This ecosystem has encouraged young athletes to take up kabaddi with great enthusiasm," he said.

Several young players have already attracted the interest of selectors. "We saw many promising youngsters in action. Nitesh Kumar, who plays for Tamil Thalaivas, performed very well. There are two players from Vidarbha who stood out, and even teams like Pondicherry and Andhra Pradesh were impressive," the selector observed.

The selector highlighted the significance of domestic tournaments in developing talent, emphasizing the role of Nationals in career shaping.

"Tournaments like the Senior and Junior Nationals play a crucial role in a player's journey. Junior Nationals help players earn opportunities in the PKL and the New Young Players' programmes, while Senior Nationals offer not just exposure, but also career security through certificates, medals and eligibility for government and services jobs," he explained.

The 72nd Senior Men's National Kabaddi Championship, with 29 teams and approximately 400 players, will be held in Vadodara until February 27.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud to see teams from all over India competing at such a high level. Vidarbha giving UP a tough fight shows the depth is real. More power to our kabaddi players!
R
Rohit P
While the growth is impressive, I hope the federation ensures equal opportunities and fair selection from all states, not just the traditional powerhouses. The system must be transparent.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the US! It's amazing to see a sport with such deep roots in Indian culture get this kind of professional platform. The athleticism is incredible.
V
Vikram M
The point about job security through government and services recruitment is key. For many families in rural India, a stable job is the biggest incentive to pursue sports seriously. A great step.
K
Karthik V
Haryana ka to pata tha, lekin Gujarat beating Punjab is a big surprise! Bahut badhiya. The competition is getting tougher, which is best for Indian kabaddi.

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