Millions of Punjabis around the world take to Kabaddi, which is often described as a game that tests the patience, endurance and team spirit.
In sponsoring the ‘Best Kabaddi Raider and Stopper Player of the Year’ Award, the New Zealand Kabaddi Sports Federation aims to promote the game among the younger members of the society throughout New Zealand.
“Such a need exists, because Kabaddi is played with passion and we need passionate sports people who are young and energetic,” Virender Singh Bralli, President of the Federation said.
Global event
In December last year the Federation took the New Zealand team to participate in the Kabaddi World Cup organised by the Punjab government.
Sixteen Kabaddi team worldwide took part in the global event.
“Although Kabaddi is played throughout India and in some parts of South Asia, it is a game largely practiced and promoted in Punjab. There are ten clubs affiliated to our Federation from various parts of New Zealand and all of them provide opportunities for the youth to play the game in Gurdwara grounds,” he said.
A Champion
Mr Bralli is a champion of the game, with several awards, citations and titles to his credit since he began playing Kabaddi as a teenager in his native Amritsar in Punjab, India. He has presented his school, university, district and many organisations over the years.
”Our Association hopes to attract more youngsters to play Kabaddi through the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards,” Mr Bralli said
