Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Dec 13: Maatru Prathishtana in association with Karnataka State Physically Challenged Kabaddi Association will organise the first national men's Kabaddi Championship for physically challenged on December 15 and 16 at Mangala Stadium.
Addressing media here on Thursday, December 13, founder managing trustee M R Mahesh Gowda said, "The two-day tournament will be inaugurated by district in-charge minister U T Khader, and deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil. Philanthropist and NRI Entrepreneur Ronald Colaco and Arjuna Awardee Vandana Shanbhag will be the guest of honour, MLC Ivan D’Souza, mayor Bhaskar Moily, Basur Rajeev Shetty, chairman, Indian Red Cross Society, C A Shantharam Shetty, chairman, District Red Cross Society, K Devdas Bhandary, district governor, M Raghunath Bhat, district governor nominee, Lions Club, Rotary Club, former MLA J R Lobo and Walter Nandalike, managing director, Daijiworld Media, will grace the occasion.
"The prize distribution ceremony will be held on December 16. MLA Vedavyas Kamath, Mangaluru South, Dr Selvamani, CEO zilla panchayath, C A Shantharam Shetty, MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty, North Mangaluru, NSS national awardee Dr Gananath Shetty Yakkar, senior civil judge of district legal services authority Mallanna Gowda Patil and deputy director Youth empowerment and sports Pradeep D’Souza will grace the occasion,” he said.
Organising secretary Denzil Fernandes said, "Twelve teams have been divided into four groups with three teams each. This will be the first time that such tournament is being held in the state. Teams from West Bengal, Jharkhand, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka will take part in the two-day tournament. The winners and runners-up team will get cash prizes of Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
“The tournament will be held in association with Karnataka State Physically Challenged Kabaddi Association and Maatru Prathishtana with the sole intention of promoting the hidden talents of the physically challenged sportspersons in India,” he said.
Maatru Prathishtana is a registered and government of Karnataka recognised organisation working for the empowerment of people with disabilities. The organisation supports various activities which mainstream them and special focus is given to people with disabilities from rural areas.
Daijiworld is the media partner for the event.
In view of the huge expenses involved in organising the mega event, Daijiworld readers are requested to support the tournament and send in their contribution to the following bank account.
Account Name: Maatru Pratishtana
Bank: Kotak Mahindra
Branch: Rajajinagar, Bengaluru
Account No: 2012362473
IFSC Code: KKBK0008078
This is a noble cause, which has to be supported by all for the benefit of physically-challenged.
For all details, one may contact Mahesh, president, Maatru Pratishtana (Ph:7406365655) or by email to maatrupratishtana@gmail.com.