State-level junior kabaddi championship in Virar to see 50 teams from 25 districts

A state-level kabaddi championship for boys (Kumar) and girls (Kumari) is being held in Vasai-Virar. It is being organised jointly by the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association, the Palghar District Kabaddi Association and the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation. The tournament, which tests the best kabaddi players in Maharashtra, is considered very important for selecting the team that will represent the state at the national level.

Fifty teams from 25 districts of Maharashtra, across both the boys' and girls' categories, are taking part. Some 800 top players from across the state will compete. Maharashtra's official kabaddi team for the national championship will be chosen on the basis of performances here.

The format and standard of the tournament have been set according to international norms. Six mat courts have been laid out at the ground, and large floodlights have been arranged for day-night matches. The organisers have made excellent arrangements for the stay and meals of about 1,100 to 1,200 players, coaches and office-bearers.

The schedule is as follows. Teams and players from all districts will arrive in Vasai-Virar on October 7. Players will be weighed and documents checked on the morning of October 8. The championship will be formally inaugurated at 5 pm on October 8 by dignitaries from various fields.

The inauguration will include a disciplined march-past of players from all districts, with flag-bearers. The championship will begin in a colourful cultural atmosphere, with the beat of dhol-tasha, lezim and brass band music.

In last year's state championship, the girls of Palghar district won the title in the girls' category. Playing at home this time, the host Palghar District Kabaddi Association and the organisers have expressed firm confidence of winning the gold cup in the boys' category as well as the girls' category.