Namal grants Rs. 42 million for kabaddi

 Director General of the Department of Sports Development Amal Edirisuriya and Kabaddi Federation President Anura Pathirana with Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and other officials after signing the agreement   

By Susil Premalal

Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa has allocated Rs. 41,887,800/- to the Sri Lanka Kabaddi Federation (SLKF) for the development of kabaddi.   

On a recommendation made by the National Sports Council and the Sports Ministry, the Department of Sports Development signed a memorandum of understanding with SLKF on Wednesday.   

Identified as a sport with lot of potential, the NSC and SLKB has drawn up a short term, medium term and long-term plan for the development of kabaddi.   

In addition, Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa hopes to organise a franchise tournament for kabaddi in future like the LPL (Lanka Premier League) cricket event.   

The Minister believes that prospective talent could emerge from the franchise kabaddi tournament.   
The overall objective of the Minister is to triumph at Asian, Commonwealth Games and world competitions during the next two years by hosting a franchise kabaddi tournament which will bring in foreign expertise.