THE 51st edition of Devabhau National Kabaddi (Boys and Girls Junior) Tournament is being organised by Kabaddi Association Vidarbha Sangh (KAVS), Nagpur and Sarvajanik Bajrang Vyayam Shala, Deoli in Wardha district from May 9 to 12. The event, to be played mostly at Vidarbha Kesari Khasdar Ramdasji Tadas Indoor Stadium in Deoli, has the approval of Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India. “Kabaddi has been Vidarbha’s own sport since ancient times and we want to revive it. Main reason of holding a press conference in Nagpur, even though the tournament is in Wardha, is that we want that every nook and corner of Vidarbha must be aware of this event.

 

“We want the youngsters of the region to get rid of their mobiles and come to play the ‘maidani and mardani’ sport kabaddi,” said Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, MoS, Government of Maharashtra Home (Rural), Housing, School Education, Co-operation, Mining and also Guardian Minister, Wardha, during a press conference on Sunday. “A host of Bollywood stars will also be attending the tournament. We will also try to invite Abhishek Bachchan who has helped in popularising kabaddi through Pro-Kabaddi League,” Dr Bhoyar added.

 

“All the league and knock-out matches will be played at Deoli. The final matches and prize distribution ceremony, to be graced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, will be held at Bhagat Singh Maidan (Circus Ground), Wardha on May 12 at 6 pm,” informed Ramdas Tadas, ex-MP and President, KAVS. “The event will be inaugurated by Dattatray Bharne, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Maharashtra State. About 1200 players and officials representing 27 states will compete for glory in the national meet for Under-20 boys and girls,” added Pradip Thakur, Secretary, KAVS. The press conference was attended by Dr Piyush Ambulkar, Wasant Deothakle, Sunil Burande, Vijay Yenurkar, Girish Gadge and other dignitaries.