Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network - Bhatkal (SP)

Bhatkal, Jul 28: The fifth edition of Pro Kabaddi league matches get under way from Friday July 28. Pro Kabaddi league has been creating ripples in the sports field of the country and Kabaddi lovers have been seen chanting the names of their faovurite teams and players. A 19-year-old boy from the town, who has been chosen to represent Bengaluru Bulls team, is rearing to enter the field and prove his mettle.

Harish Naik's name has been making the rounds since the last couple of years. He belongs to Hadin within Yalvadikavoor village in the taluk. His father works as daily wager and mother works as housemaid for a living. He has an unmarried sister to look after.

Harish began to be associated with Kabaddi since he was studying in Belake high school. He got support and encouragement from Sarpanakatte Sports Club here to hone his talent. As a result, he could stay in the sports hostel at Dharwad with help from sports authority and get PU education. Trainer, Dr Eshwar Angadi, identified his talent and followed with determination the aim to take him still higher. Harish represented Karnataka in the national tournament for boys below 19 years of age, after which he is continuing to get rich experience and opportunities. Well-known Kabaddi player, Ramesh, who represented State Bank of Mysore team, extended his hand of help to him. Harish got admitted into a college at Gadag with the specific aim of improving his prospects in Kabaddi and is currently in final year BA degree course class.

Harish had been named as one among the 12 player of Bengaluru Bulls lalst year, but he did not get an opportunity to enter the field. This year again Bengaluru Bulls have bought Harish by offering price of ten lac rupees. The team has many experienced, senior players. Captain of the team, Rohit Kumar, too has lot of expectations from Harish. If he gets an opportunity to play, Harish is sure to prove his skill, he says. Harish, who shared his happiness about this comment, has been identified as an excellent rider. He at the same time is anxious as the team has many senior players, and he is aware that there is competition to get a place in the playing team. He is eagerly waiting for an opportunity, he said.

Members of Sarpanakatte Sports Club here also have been on their toes to see Harish play for Bengaluru Bulls because they have wholeheartedly supported Harish's aspirations so far. People from Bhatkal, who have seen Harish grow from strength to strength by putting together experience and skill in the company of senior players, are sure that he will brighten up Kabaddi field one day.