17-06-2023 : Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, the Chief Executive Officer of Jammu & Kashmir Amateur Kabaddi Association and the Technical Delegate for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, recently submitted a memorandum to the Secretary General of the Asian Kabaddi Federation (AKF), Muhammad Sarwar Rana. The submission took place in the presence of Dr. Abbas Khajeh Averseji, the President of AKF, and S. Sathasivam Munisamy, the General Secretary of the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF). The purpose of the memorandum was to request the allocation of a Test Match Series or an International Championship to the Jammu & Kashmir Amateur Kabaddi Association in India.
After detailed deliberation, Secretary Muhammad Sarwar Rana assured Kuldeep Kumar Gupta that the proposal would be placed in the Calendar of Activities for the 2023-24 season. Once approved by the General House, the decision would be conveyed to the association accordingly. Moreover, Rana promised that one team from an Asian country would be sent to Jammu & Kashmir to participate in a 30-day coaching camp organized by the association and conducted by a coach appointed by them. He also expressed his commitment to pay special attention to the development of young kabaddi players in the union territory.
During the discussion, Gupta informed Mr. Sarwar about the efforts made by the J&K Sports Council, under the leadership of Secretary Mrs. Nuzhat Gul, in constructing an individual Kabaddi Stadium in Jammu. He highlighted that this stadium is one of the best kabaddi facilities in the northern region of India. The proposed 30-day coaching camp for the visiting team from another country would be organized at the same stadium in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council.
Kuldeep Gupta expressed his privilege and honor to interact with the office bearers of the Asian Kabaddi Federation and the International Kabaddi Federation. He conveyed his hope and belief that with their support, Jammu & Kashmir would reach new heights in the future under the dynamic leadership and guidance of President Sh. Anil Gupta and General Secretary Sh. Surinder Mohan Gupta. He emphasized the importance of heart and passion in the game of kabaddi and highlighted the significant fan following it enjoys throughout Jammu & Kashmir. The sport is played at various levels, including in schools, colleges, and universities, with both boys and girls participating enthusiastically.