By P. Chandra Sagaran
The traditional sport of Kabaddi is fast catching up with youngsters based on the number of teams participating in the sport which is a traditional Indian sport.
Penggerak Belia Negeri Perak who organised a kabbadi competition for boys and girls category at Indera Mulia Stadium here on June 14 had to reject a number of applications.
The association Chairman G. Shanmugavello said:”we could not accept the extra applications due to various reasons and there are only three courts available.
“This year it is the 10th year we are organising the tournament for secondary schools..this time there are 24 boys teams and 12 girls category,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony.
A total of 360 students including non Indians participated with six to seven teams competing for the first time.
The tournament officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi’s special officer for Indian community affairs, Arwend Appalasamy pointed out Kabbadi must be recognised widely.
“The sport is considered a second level sport and we always face financial difficulties in organising tournaments or sending teams to compete overseas.
“To overcome this problem we want to hold a crowdfunding project to raise funds in Kuala Lumpur.
” The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office would take care of the logistics, food and others.
“Last year we gave RM10,000 and this year a pledge of RM12,000 was made for the association,” he told reporters.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s had always contributed financial aid for organising the sports and also paid flight tickets when teams were competing overseas.
In the tournament, SMK Hutan Melintang emerged champion in the boys category.
The winner went home richer with RM400, with another RM100 contributed by MIC CWC member Vincent David.
They also received trophies, medals and jerseys. Second place went to SMK Katholik Tanjung Malim.
In the girls section, SMK Tat Beng took top spot and RM400 with an additional RM100 contributed by Vincent,together with trophy,medals and jerseys.
SMK Convent “B” Teluk Intan finished runners up .
MIC Vice President and Perak MIC chairman Tan Sri M.Ramasamy who officiated the closing ceremony presented the prizes.
He also pledged RM5,000 for the association.