The Mumbai Schools Sports Association, it seems, is reaping the benefits of the hugely successful Pro Kabaddi League (PKL)
The Mumbai Schools Sports Association, it seems, is reaping the benefits of the hugely successful Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). The MSSA inter-school kabaddi competition that began at Azad Maidan yesterday has seen a surge of entries.
ADVERTISEMENT
Action from a kabaddi match between MG Vidya Mandir and Holy Cross HS. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Last year, there were just nine girl’s school teams in both the U-14 and U-16 categories, compared to a whopping 16 that have entered the fray this year. Among the boys, from nine entries last year the number has gone up to 19 this time.
Deepak Shinde, MSSA secretary for Indian Games hailed PKL for popularising the game among kids. “Pro Kabaddi has popularised the sport beyond imagination. What couldn’t be done in decades, PKL has done in two years,” he said. Holy Cross’ (Parel) Nupur Hadkar is hoping for a PKL women’s league now. “A women's league will be a huge morale-booster,” said the 14-year-old.