Writer: Deepalakshmi a/p Manickam
Editor: Nur Fathin Athirah binti Nor Azman
Source: Maaveeran Photography Crew
BANGI, 16 Dec - In a celebration of talent and sportsmanship, Perwakilan Mahasiswa India (PMI) and Kelab Kabaddi Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) joined hands to organize the Maaveeran Kabaddi Championship 2023, an intervarsity Kabaddi championship held on 16th December 2023, at Dewan Gemilang, UKM Bangi, brought together 13 boys' teams and 9 girls' teams from universities across Malaysia for a day of intense competition.
Sneha Manoharan (FST), the Chief Project Director of the event, emphasized the significance of the competition, "This competition is to provide a platform for
students to showcase their talents in the field of sports. The objective of this championship is to give exposure to all students across Malaysia regarding the traditional Indian sport, Kabaddi, regardless of race or gender.”
“Secondly, we attempt fostering the spirit of sportsmanship and nurturing love for Kabaddi by instilling patriotic, progressive, positive attitudes, and practicing core values in Kabaddi," continued Sneha.
The competition witnessed an impressive display of Kabaddi skills, with each team showcasing their unique strengths and strategies. Despite the challenges faced in organizing the event on a short timeline and securing sponsors, the organizers, with the support of dedicated committee members, managed to deliver a successful championship that will be remembered for years to come.
Surgilan Amirthan (FKAB), the captain of the UKM Kabaddi Club, shared his deep passion for the sport and the challenges he has overcome to succeed. "Kabaddi has been my passion since I was 10," the captain expressed, recalling his introduction to the sport during their co-curricular period by a teacher. His first taste of success came when his team emerged victorious in an inter school Kabaddi competition. This early achievement fueled his continued participation in Kabaddi, securing numerous wins for his school and district until completing Form 5.
The captain described the revival of Kabaddi at university during the Indian Cultural Fiesta organized in UKM as a significant moment, marking the initial step toward establishing the Kelab Kabaddi UKM. Following the club's inception, they engaged in various Kabaddi competitions organized by different Malaysian universities, gaining invaluable experiences along the way.
The captain expressed, “representing UKM as athletes held immense importance for us. It meant shouldering the responsibility of upholding UKM's name on our jerseys while competing against other universities.”
The captain's journey demonstrates the dedication and commitment of the UKM Kabaddi Club, reflecting the passion for Kabaddi that characterized their journey leading up to the Maaveeran Kabaddi Match 2023.
In the finale of Maaveeran Kabaddi Championship 2023, the boys' team from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) won the match, securing not only the championship title but also a medal, trophy, and a cash prize of RM 800. The Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) girls' team also revealed their capabilities, claiming victory in their category and earning a medal, trophy, and a cash prize of RM 500. Their outstanding performance and dedication throughout the championship earned them these well-deserved rewards, showcasing their talent and sportsmanship on the Kabaddi court.
Despite the challenges faced, the organizers successfully delivered a memorable championship, emphasizing the growing popularity and importance of Kabaddi as a sport in Malaysia.
