Hyderabad, October 30, 2024 — The vibrant atmosphere at the Shri Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy Stadium was electrified as Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) stars made a special appearance at the Sports For All (SFA) Championships 2024-25 in Hyderabad. Young kabaddi enthusiasts were treated to a motivational spectacle as raiding sensations Narender Kandola and Sachin Tanwar from Tamil Thalaivas, along with Ajinkya Pawar of Bengaluru Bulls, graced the Under-14 boys and girls' finals, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Grassroots Development in Focus

The presence of these celebrated athletes underscored the critical need for grassroots development in kabaddi, emphasizing the sport's evolution from humble beginnings to a national phenomenon.

• Sachin Tanwar remarked on this transformation, stating, “It’s a momentous shift. Back when I was in school, our tournaments attracted just 200-250 spectators. Today, the passion for kabaddi has skyrocketed, drawing huge crowds and significantly boosting participation. The game’s reach has expanded tremendously, which is evident now.”

Balancing Education and Sport

Ajinkya Pawar took the opportunity to address the young athletes on the importance of maintaining a balance between academics and sports. “Success in sports is vital, but so is education,” he advised. “Young players must prioritize both their studies and their sporting ambitions. Education is foundational, and it complements athletic prowess.”

Inspiration from Personal Journeys

Narender Kandola shared his personal journey to motivate the aspiring players, highlighting the significance of school-level competitions. “Kabaddi’s growth starts from grassroots, and school competitions are crucial for nurturing talent. I began with casual games in my village, progressed through school tournaments, and ultimately reached the world stage. This is where every great kabaddi career begins,” he said, hoping to ignite a similar passion in the SFA Championships’ participants.

A Bright Future for Kabaddi

The SFA Championships are not just a platform for competition but a celebration of the sport's rich legacy and its promising future. The interaction with PKL stars has left a lasting impact on the young players, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with dedication and enthusiasm.

• Community Engagement: The event brought together families, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, reinforcing the community spirit around kabaddi and its importance in fostering young talent.