Simplified Laws Guide to Taxation and Legal Concern During my school days, 29 years ago, I used to watch school and inter-school Kabadi matches. After that, it was only yesterday I watched a Pro-Kabadi match at Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore. Thanks to the organizations for bringing ‘glamour’ to a desi game. Before writing about Kabadi, let’s wish that our desi game gets worldwide recognition and fame for all the players.
My friend was telling whoever thought of Pro-Kabadi concept must be saluted. It is the brainchild of Mr. Charu Sharma (Mashal Sports Company), world famous cricket commentator and quizmaster. Let’s salute him.
What is Kabadi?
Kabadi is a Sanskrit word ‘Karbadhi’ means ‘holding hands’. It is a game between two teams of 7 members each occupying opposite halves of a field of 10 meters by 13 meters. The game is played for 40 minutes, with a 5 minutes break after 20 minutes of play.
Origin of Kabadi
It is truly an Indian game. It was initially started in northern part of India. Today, it is the state game in states like Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Bihar etc.
International Presence
Kabadi is the national game of Nepal. This game is also popular in Japan, Pakistan, Iran and other Asian countries. India has won the Kabadi World cup 2013.
Pro-kabadi
Till Pro-kabadi was introduced, this game was under the shadow. No one was talking about it 3 months back. Pro-Kabadi League (PKL), the first edition of the tournament was started on 26th July 2014 with eight franchisee teams. Totally 60 matches are played in the tournament (on a similar pattern of IPL Cricket). The final will be held at Mumbai on 31st August 2014. The program is telecast on Star Sports
Franchisee Owners
- Bengal Warriers (Kolkata) – Kishore Biyani, Future Group (Big Bazaar, E Zone etc)
- Bengalure Bulls (Bangalore) – Kosmik Global media
- Dabang Delhi (Delhi) – Radha Kapoor, Do IT Sports Management
- Jaipur Pink Panthers (Rajasthan) – Abhishek Bachchan
- Patna Pirates (Bihar) – Rajesh Shah
- Puneri Paltan (Pune) – Sumanlal Shah
- Telugu Titans (AP) – Veera sports
- U Mumba (Mumbai) – Ronnie Screwvala, Unilazar sports
Commercials
It is a noble move by Mr. Charu Sharma. Many local talents have got recognition and money. All along, only the cricketers were occupying the major attention of sports. Today, even the kabadi players have became icons. There may be sponsors, advertisement opportunities, etc.
It is indeed a great experience to watch a live kabadi match. Lights, camera, entertainment, action, kabadi. Dhass Kabadi..nou Kabadi..dho kabadi..pro kabadi..
