Kabaddi league gets government nod

Bangalore, July 4 :

The central youth affairs and sports ministry has formally extended its support to Pro Kabaddi, a competition involving eight city-based franchise teams, a release said here Friday.

Pro Kabaddi, which is all set to kick off in Mumbai on July 26, will be produced and telecast live on prime time TV by international broadcaster, Star Sports, according to a press release.

In a letter to Charu Sharma, managing director of Mashal Sports, which is promoting the event, Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary Ajit M. Sharan said: “It is indeed very heartening to know that Mashal Sports has taken such a bold, pioneering step in re-focusing the attention of the nation towards what is our own national heritage sport.

“Considering its zero equipment nature and development of stamina, strength, skill, strategy and team work, Kabaddi could once again drive the youth of India towards a fitter lifestyle.”

In response, Sharma said: “It is very encouraging to have our efforts recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

“One of the main aims of the Pro Kabaddi League is to provide a showcase for the modern, sophisticated, competitive flavour of the sport giving it the stature it deserves and establishing Kabaddi as an inspirational sport for the youth of the country.

“With the government’s approval we have moved closer to attaining that goal. With the amount of support we have received from all our partners, I have no doubt that Pro Kabaddi is rapidly moving towards becoming the next big thing in the global sports spectrum.”

(IANS)