State kabaddi championship under way in Virar amid row over civic funding

Virar: Palghar district is hosting the 53rd state-level kabaddi championship at the MHADA ground in Bolinj, Virar West. About 50 teams and 800 players from 25 districts are competing in separate sections for young men and young women during the October 8-11 event. Last year's championship was held in Pune.

The matches are played on mats laid out on six courts, in a league format, with 30 matches on the first day and 36 on the second. Mayor Ajiv Patil, former MLA Kshitij Thakur and former mayor Pravina Thakur attended the opening. Pro Kabaddi player Rishank Devadiga, Arjuna award winner Shantaram Jadhav and Chhatrapati award winner Nitin Madne were among the sporting names present, along with players Gautami Raut, Snehal Salunkhe and Sayali Tirpale.

The Vasai-Virar municipal corporation's standing committee approved funding for the event at its meeting on October 5. Manoj Patil, leader of the opposition in the civic body, has objected that although public money is being spent, the kabaddi association printed its own invitation cards and had the event opened only by leaders of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi.

Nalasopara BJP MLA Rajan Naik also criticised the invitations, saying the card for the 5 pm opening reached his office at 5.10 pm. BJP workers posted a video of the card being delivered on social media in protest.

Sources: Loksatta; Free Press Journal