Kabaddi: Created by Men, Perfected by Women has been chosen as the theme for the 2024 World Kabaddi Day to be celebrated by the kabaddi community worldwide on March 24.
The World Kabaddi Day was initiated in 2020 by World Kabaddi as part of its strategic plan to promote the sports of kabaddi globally.
World Kabaddi was formed in 2018 and now has a membership of more than 50 countries around the world. The date chosen as World Kabaddi Day also coincides with the formation of World Kabaddi.
World Kabaddi president Mr Ashok Kumar Das hoped that the World Kabaddi Day celebrations would raise more awareness to the ancient sport of kabaddi.
“For 2024, we are focusing on the development of women’s kabaddi and hope to see many more women taking up the game socially as well as competitively, “said Ashok, who is also the President of Kabaddi Europe.
World Kabaddi recently penned a Memorandum of Understanding with the Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) to promote and develop the inclusion of women in kabaddi globally.
Ashok that World Kabaddi wants to encourage all members as well kabaddi enthusiasts around the world to to conduct at least one kabaddi activity to celebrate the World Kabaddi Day.
“The objective is to make it a celebration of kabaddi around the world. The celebrations is not just for the day as we also want kabaddi activities to be held throughout the month of March,” said Ashok.
The event in each country should be designed to be a fun event that creates awareness and enthusiasm for kabaddi in the participating communities.
The event should be designed for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. With a focus on grassroots initiatives for women, it should inspire people to take up kabaddi competitively or socially.
Apart from member associations in each country, schools and other organisations are also encouraged to organise kabaddi events of their own.
“We hope to see people from all demographics, gender, age and background to participate in this day of celebration of kabaddi,” said Ashok.
Kabaddi has its origins in India and is said to be more than 5,000 years old. Indian literature including the 17th century poet Tukaram in his Marathi literary collection Abhanga Gatha has indicated the game was played during the Vedic period.
Buddhist literature also mentions that Gautama Buddha played the game with his peers for recreation.
There are also claims that the game was played by the Iranians 5,000 years ago at Shahr-e-Sukhteh (Burnt City) near the banks of the Helmand River.
World Kabaddi hopes to kindle the interest for kabaddi among women by encouraging various activities including friendly matches, competitions, demonstration and exhibitions during the celebration of World Kabaddi Day.
To create visibility for the World Kabaddi Day, all participants are encouraged to use the following hashtags #womenkabaddi #worldkabaddiday #playkabaddi #onekabaddi in all the event social media engagements.
“Everyone is encouraged to get their friends and family around the world to assist in making this World Kabaddi Day a major success for the sport,” said Ashok.
Organisers of events for the World Kabaddi Day are also encouraged to register their events with World Kabaddi. Registered organisers would be able to use the official title of World Kabaddi Day 2024, the official logos and get the chance for their event to be promoted on World Kabaddi Website and social media platforms. These organisers will also receive an e-certificate of participation.
Registration can be made through the World Kabaddi website at http://www.theworldkabaddi.org/world-kabaddi-day/