Railways seek to extend dominance in Federation Cup Kabaddi

Mumbai, May 5 (UNI) Indian Railway would be looking to defend both the titles in the 27th edition of the Federation Cup Kabaddi Tournament, getting underway at Shivaji Park here from May 6 to 10, even as last year's runner-up Services, who finished second, would be looking to extract revenge in the men's section.

The tournament is being organised by the Maharashtra Kabaddi Association in memory of Kabaddi Maharshi Shankarrao 'Buwa' Salvi.

In the Women's section, Maharashtra, who have finished second best to the Railways for the last many years, would also look to end the domination of the rivals on home soil in the tournament featuring the top eight state outfits in the country in either section.

The teams have been divided into two sections for a quarter final league followed by the top two teams in each group qualifying for the semifinals.

For the Maharashtra men, it would be a fine opportunity to redeem lost glory. They had won the tournament in 2004 and would look to repeat that performance in front of their home crowd this year.

The State association under the leadership of President Ajitdada Pawar, minister of Irrigation and Water Resources has earmarked a sum of Rs 17 lakh from his coffers for staging this prestigious event.

The State is offering Rs. 2.5 lakh as prize money, the first time ever in the championships featuring the cream of kabaddi in India.

The winners and runners up in either section stand to get Rs 51,000 and Rs 31,000 respectively, while Rs 21,000 will be on offer for third place winners. Individual prizes totally worth Rs 40,000 for Best Raider, Catcher and All-Rounder are also there for the taking.

The State association has also erected a temporary gallery to accomodate 8,000 spectators at the venue and the association has graciously decided to throw the gates open.

A special silver coin of 15 gm will be used in every match for the toss with the winner pocketing it. It will have the logo of the association on one side while Buwa's photograph will be engraved on the other side. In the finals a similar, but gold plated coin, will be used.

The Maharashtra association will also stage a small exhibition at the venue on the life and times of 'Buwa'. Photographs of 'Buwa' with former Prime Ministers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, former President V V Giri and the likes, will serve to highlight the greatness of the man who lived for Kabaddi.

The organisors have prepared two grounds for the purpose and four matches are scheduled on the first three days, with semi finals to be played on May 9 and the finals on May 10. The hardlines match will be played before the finals.

UNI