Kabaddi players brave injuries in absence of proper ground

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 8

The ongoing Inter-School Kabaddi Championship, being played at the football ground of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23, has proved tall claims of the authorities wrong.

While the city is planning to introduce smart sports infrastructure, sub-junior and junior-level circle kabaddi players are playing the championship amidst a high risk of injuries.

The game, which is usually played on a hard surface that is sprinkled with water on regular intervals, is being played on an uneven surface. The ground, where the championship is being played, is a dedicated football field. The situation is such that players are getting injured but they are continuing their game despite injuries.

“There is not even a single player who left the ground without any injury. Every second player is getting injured. One can easily feel the pain of these players who are playing on such a hard surface under the harsh sun. Kabaddi players are usually known to be tough but the organsiers should understand the fact that the players participating in the championship are amateurs not professionals. Playing on such a surface will invite injuries, affecting their future,” said a kabaddi coach.

“The hard surface is affecting our game. The one side of the court is covered with grass and patches of hard surface are an invitation to injuries. We have played many championships but it is tough here. We are avoiding playing tough to avoid injuries,” said a player.

Another player added, “Even the umpires are feeling the heat. They are doing their duty while covering their faces to avoid dust. Circle kabaddi is always played on either hard surface (pampered with rain water soil and water) or at grass (soft grass grade-II). However, here the situation is entirely different here and there will be no change as the organisers are ignoring these basic facilities for many years.”

No official of the Education Department was willing to comment on the issue.