Para-Athlete Kabaddi Exhibition Match Inspires PKL Players

In an event that was both sweet and uplifting, the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur hosted a historic para-athlete kabaddi exhibition match as part of a festival on Wednesday, with the Wheeling Happiness Foundation and Capri Sports Foundation as the organisers. The match was held between two teams: Para Dhakad and Para Warriorz.

This match was not just a depletion of resources; it was a testimony to the will, teamwork, and importance of equitable involvement in sport. Participants in the match included arm amputees (above the wrist and elbow), above and below-knee leg amputees, and polio victims having weak limbs. All participants displayed tremendous skill in the event, testifying to the fact that physical disability does not remove the competitive nature.

Inspirational Support: Pro Kabaddi League Players Cheer for Para-Athlete Kabaddi Exhibition Match

Para-athletes also got excited when the players from the Bengal Warriorz of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) came to cheer them on. It signified being a friend or ally in the kabaddi community and that support is significant for those who struggle to stay in the game.

Devank Dalal, Bengal Warriorz captain, found praise for para-athletes, stating, “It was a very good match to watch, and I would say that they are the real heroes. They have a lot of problems in life. If we get a minor injury, we rest, but even with all their problems, they are toiling hard and playing so well. So it is highly motivating for us kabaddi players.”

Para-Athletes Look Back at Their Experience and Development in Para-Kabaddi

For para-athletes, the tournament was a significant milestone in the development of para-kabaddi in India. Vikas Kumar, a Para Athletics Silver Medalist at World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Nottwil, Switzerland, is eager to talk about how far para-kabaddi has reached.

“I was training in general able-bodied para-athletics until Rajesh sir and Deepa ma’am labored hard to introduce para-kabaddi to our nation,” he explained.

Vikas further pointed out that several para-athletes have made the switch to para-kabaddi and now enjoy the chance to display their abilities on grand arenas. “Playing on such a large platform is a very proud moment, particularly because our para-athletes are now being considered on par with able-bodied sports persons,” he added.

The Role of Coaches in Shaping the Future of Para-Kabaddi

The success of the event largely depends on the tireless efforts of coaches who have toiled day and night to popularize para-kabaddi. Rajesh Kumar, a renowned Bhim Awardee and Asian Para Games medalist (2010), laid stress on the importance of exposure for para-kabaddi athletes.

“We thank the PKL for this opportunity that has been provided for our players. It will give our para-kabaddi players a new identity. It will also act as motivation for the athletes who are sitting at home and watching us play.

Coach Kumar feels positive about the future of para-kabaddi. “The future of our para-kabaddi players looks very good, particularly with the exposure of the PKL. We hope that today’s team players will excel in the future.”

Dreams Realized: Para-Athletes Make Their Mark on the PKL Stage

For many of the para-athletes, this was the realization of a dream to play on the mat at the PKL level. Sachin Tandel, a gold medalist at the para-kabaddi tournament in Sri Lanka in 2021 stated how proud he was to represent para-athletes and compete at the privileged PKL level.

“I have been playing para-kabaddi since 2018. And this opportunity that we got today to play on the PKL mat – to represent para-athletes on this stage is a very proud moment for me.”

The exhibition match not only showcased para-athletes but also illuminated the increased popularity of para-kabaddi as a developing sport in India, with the possibility to motivate a new generation of players.