Maharashtra Hosts 2nd Edition of Yuva Kabaddi Series: Showcasing Young Talent in a Month-long Tournament --

Maharashtra is bracing itself for an exhilarating display of kabaddi prowess as it prepares to host the highly anticipated 2nd edition of the Yuva Kabaddi Series. Scheduled to take place from March 5 to April 6, 2024, at the prestigious Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, the tournament promises to showcase the immense talent of young kabaddi players from across the state.

Organized under the patronage of the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association and in collaboration with Krantijyoti Mahila Pratishthan, the Yuva Kabaddi Series has emerged as a premier platform for identifying and nurturing budding kabaddi stars since its inception in 2022. With a strong emphasis on youth development, the tournament aims to shape the future of Indian kabaddi by providing a competitive stage for aspiring players to hone their skills.

The grand opening ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Shri Sanjay Bansode, Sports Minister of the Government of Maharashtra, and Smt. Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the Maharashtra Women Commission and President of Krantijyoti Mahila Pratishthan. The event kicked off with a special Women’s Exhibition Match, setting the tone for the thrilling matches to follow.

A total of 16 teams, comprising over 200 under-23 players in the below 80 kg weight category, will battle it out in an action-packed tournament format. The month-long event will feature a staggering 125 matches played across three stages, offering ample opportunities for teams to showcase their talent and vie for top honors.

Vikas Gautam, CEO of the Yuva Kabaddi Series, expressed optimism about the tournament’s impact on the future of kabaddi in India. Highlighting the success of the previous edition, Gautam emphasized the program’s role in nurturing young talent and facilitating their transition to professional leagues like the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).

With defending champions Ahmednagar set to face off against Mumbai Shahar in the opening match, anticipation is running high for an electrifying start to the tournament. As teams gear up to compete in the rigorous competition, fans can expect an enthralling display of skill, strategy, and sheer determination on the kabaddi mat.