Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Additional Pics by Prasad Jathan
Udupi, Apr 10: Jayadurga Thellaru Kabaddi team won the ‘Ambedkar Trophy–2016’, a floodlit open Kabaddi tournament at the Mahatma Gandhi district stadium here on Saturday, April 9.
The tournament was organized as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of BR Ambedkar.
The tournament was organized by the district unit of the Karnataka Dalit Vidyarthi Okkoota, affiliated to the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (Ambedkar Vada) to promote harmony in society. It was held in association with the Udupi District Physical Education Teachers Association and Amateur Kabaddi Association.
Suresh Shetty Gurme inaugurated the event, Dinakar Ambalpady, president zilla panchayat hosted the flag to mark the event.
Addressing the gathering, Raghupati Bhat said, “This is the first Kabaddi tournament which is taking place in this ground which is mainly made for Kabaddi sports. Now a days, people are interested in cricket more than any other sports. The Okkoota has given a perfect platform to youngsters to showcase their talents.”
Bhat also urged to encourage SC and ST hostel students to develop sportive spirit.
“Looking at the present phenomena, this tournament has done its work as promoting the value and importance of rural game. Dalit community is also encouraging education through organizing such programmes. I wish that their programme benefit all sections of society.”
The wining team was awarded a cash prize of Rs 33,333 with trophy. Varun Travel, Belthangadi bagged runners up and received Rs 22,222 and trophy. Mahalaxmi Uchila came third and received Rs 7,777 and trophy. The fourth place was bagged by Deviprasad Muniyalu team which got Rs 5,555 and a trophy.
The individual award for the best rider was bagged by Sushant from Jayadurga Thellaru. The best catcher was Satish from Jayadurga team and best all rounder was Akash from Varun travel.
S S Prasad presided over the programme.
Chief guest Ajith Kumar Shetty, civil engineer distributed the prizes during the valedictory programme.
Kalattur Seetram Shetty was felicitated on the occasion.
Sundar Master welcomed the gathering and Rajendranath delivered vote of thanks.
Sunadar Gujjarbettu, Yashpal Suvarna, Kutyar Naveen Shetty, S Anant Nayak, S Vijay NAyak, Vinay Ballal, Jeevan Kumar and others were present.