Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Oct 31: "There are several Kabaddi players in Dakshina Kannada district who are extremely good in the sport and can shine at the national level if given encouragement. Sadly, due to lack of support and financial constraints many are bidding adieu to Kabbadi. Many stop playing the sport after they finish their college as they pursue other jobs," said Jagadeesh Kumble, former Indian team Kabaddi player and current coach of Bengal Warriors Pro Kabaddi team.
Addressing the media on Monday October 30, Kumble asked private companies to encourage sports talents financially. Every year we can produce minimum five to six national level players, he said.
He expressed satisfaction in the performance of Bengal Warriors in the Pro Kabaddi league. "The team played very well and lost the semi final in a very low margin. Last season we were in eighth place and this season we secured third place. I am thankful to Kabaddi lovers and well wishers of this district," he said.
"Pro Kabaddi league by Star Sports has already changed the dimensions of the Kabaddi game and made it more popular. Within a few months, players become rich with money and fame. When I started to play Kabaddi, I hardly got a thousand rupees. But now teams are offering lakhs to new talents. Along with popularity of the game, the sponsors are also gaining better profit. So this is the right time to motivate our young players," he said.
"During my initial days, I started playing Kabaddi in Dakshina Kannada. I have always been known as a Kannadiga. I have a soft corner for players from the district. I am ready to help the DK District Kabaddi Association. I have my own JK Kabaddi Academy in my native and I welcome children and youth who wish to train in the sport," he said.
He also requested the elected representatives to pressurize the government to give jobs to eligible players under sports quota.
Purushotham, secretary of District Kabaddi Association, Kabaddi player Moideen were present.