Bhatkal: National level kabaddi tournament will be held in Bhatkal on December 30, 31 and January 1 at Guru Sudhindara college ground. This will be the first time in the history of Bhatkal that a national level tournament is going to be organised.

Addressing a press meet, Ravi Shetty, Coach of the Mumbai Pro-Kabaddi team said that this tournament is being organised by 'J.D.Naik Abhiyan Balaga' in association with Katteveera Sports Club of Bhatkal and Parshuram Sports Club Bhatkal with the co-operation of Bhatkal Amateur Kabaddi Association and Karnataka Amateur Kabaddi Association. He added that 16 teams including Air India, Aeon GC, Bharat Petroleum will be participating from all over India. Two local teams will also be participating in this tournament along with 4 teams from Bengaluru.

Two grounds have been booked for this tournament. A cash prize of Rs 2,25,000 with trophy will be awarded to the Champions. The runner up will take home Rs 1,50,000 cash while the losing semi finalists will be richer by Rs. 75,000.

Vice president of State Amateur kabaddi association, Suraj Naik Soni said that, people as a spectators are very interested in watching this game with full enthusiasm and also ensured that he will be inviting everyone for the tournament in order to make this event a great success. 

President of J.D.Naik Abhiman Balaga, Nagesh Devadiga gave credit to IFS officer Damodar and appreciated him for helping to get the permission for organizing this national level tournament.

Bhatkal TMC President Sadiq Matta, Former kabaddi player Inayatullah Shabandari, President of Muslim Youth federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, President of Kattaveera sports club Shridar Naik, Parshuram Sports Club president Venkatesh Devadiga, GG shankar, Kumar Naik, Sachin Naik were also present in the press meet.

During the press conference, everyone who were present, assured their full support for the tournament from their respective associations.