Mangaluru: Maatru Prathishtana in association with Karnataka State physically challenged Kabaddi association will organise the first national men’s Kabaddi Championship for physically challenged on December 15 and 16 at Mangala Stadium. For the first time national teams will participate in the tournament here.

At a press meet held on Wednesday November 21, Basuru Rajeev Shetty, chairman, Indian Red Cross Soceity said, “Teams from West Bengal, Jharkand, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakand, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka will take part in this two-day tournament.”

The tournament will be held in association with Karnataka state physically challenged Kabaddi association and Maatru Prathishtana with the sole intention of promoting the hidden talents of the physically challenged sportspersons in India.

The Maatru Prathishtana is a registered and government of Karnataka recognized organisation working for empowerment of persons with disabilities. The organisation supports various activities which mainstream them and special focus is given to persons with disabilities from rural areas.

“This is a unique event and for the first time is being held at national level. This year’s entry is given to only men. Based on the response this year, we will include women’s team also in the coming days. The teams participating in this tournament need not pay anything. The winners and runners-up team will get cash prizes,” he added.

Daijiworld.com is the media partner for the event.

Mahesh Gowda, president, Matru Pratishtana, Shantharama Shetty, Pradeep D Souza were present.