26th November 2021 20:12:57 Hours
Inter Battalion Kabaddi Tournament 2021 Finals organized by 6 VIR ceremonially commenced with the patronage of Colonel of the Regiment VIR, Major General S U M N Manage WWV RWP RSP psc, on 26 November 2021 at Regimental Centre sport complex with the gracious presence of Major General P S K Sanjeewa RWP RSP USP, Commandant Combat Training School - Ampara. 17 battalions competed for the reign of Kabaddi on 23, 24, 25 and 26 November 2021, following COVID-19 health guidelines by the organizers.
Members of 17 teams with their supporting staff, Regimental Sergeant Major and all regimental staffing ORs joined in cheering and encouraging the finalists.
Kabaddi is a contact team sport played between two teams of seven players each. Kabaddi received international exposure during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The game was introduced in the Indian Olympic Games at Calcutta in 1938. In 1950 all India Kabaddi Federation came into existence and compiled standard rules. The first Kabaddi Tournament in Sri Lanka was held at Reed Avenue, Colombo 7 in 1992. The game Kabaddi was included as an event for the National Sports Festival in the country in 1993. Sri Lanka Army Kabaddi players become Champions in the Inter-club Beach Kabaddi Tournament held in 2018. These are the timeline of Kabaddi in Sri Lanka.
The first Inter Battalion Kabaddi Tournament in VIR was organized by 6 VIR in 2009. In that, 19 VIR emerged as the Champions while 6 VIR gaining the Runners-Up slot and VIR Kabaddi Pool was established by assembling the players who have illustrated skills in this tournament. In Sri Lanka Army Inter Regiment showcase, VIR Kabaddi Team emerged as Runners-Up in “B” Division in 2010 and 2011 and acquired another Runners-Up slot in “A” Division in 2012.
This is one of the unique event annually organized by VIR Sports arena to amplify colours of the respective battalions. In this unique platform to witness strength, speed and agility of the soldiers and comradeship of the members of the VIR battalions, 6 VIR emerged as the Champions by defeating 5 VIR by 57 to 41. The Second Runner-Up slot was 9 VIR.
Colonel Indika Karunanayake, Supervising Officer of VIR Kabaddi sport, Colonel Rukshan Kannangara, Deputy Centre Commandant VIR, Commanding Officers, battalion representatives and Staff Officers of the Regimental Centre attended for the awarding ceremony.
