Railways look to retain titles in Federation Cup kabaddi tournament

Mumbai, May 3 (UNI) Indian Railways would face a tough challenge from hosts Maharashtra in both the men's and women's event as they try to defend both titles in the 27th edition of the Federation Cup kabaddi tournament which will be held at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana here from May 6.

The Federation Cup is being organised by the Maharashtra Kabaddi Association in memory of the doyen of kabaddi Maharshi Shankarrao 'Buwa' Salvi.

The tournament will feature top eight teams of the country in men's and women's section respectively.

The tournament has a total prize money of Rs 2.5 lakh with the winners in the men's and women's section taking home Rs 51,000 each, while the runners-up in both section getting Rs 31,000 each. The third place team in either section will be richer by Rs 21,000 and individual awards worth Rs 40,000 will be on offer for the best raider, catcher and all rounder, officials of the Maharashtra Kabaddi Association informed at a press conference here.

The eight teams in either group will be divided into two sections for a quarterfinal league with the top two teams of each section moving into the semis, it was further informed.

The organizers have also made a special silver coin of 15 gms which will be used for the toss. The coin will have the logo of the association on one side, while on the other a photograph of 'Buwa' will be engraved. The winners of the toss will be able to keep the coin. For the final the coin used for the toss will be made of gold, it was informed.

UNI