ADILABAD: The Chief Minister Cup has invigorated traditional sports Kabaddi and Kho-Kho in rural regions, with increased participation from students, including girls, at the mandal level.
Physical education trainers and parents applaud the CM Cup for providing much-needed attention and support to these sports, which previously lacked media coverage and sponsorship. Rajesh, a Kabaddi player from Utnoor, is optimistic that the Cup will encourage more children to engage in these games through greater recognition.
The CM Cup competitions begin at the mandal level, progressing to district and state levels, aiming to identify talent, foster a sports culture in rural areas, and prepare athletes for national and international events with top-tier coaching. This initiative complements the recent popularity surge in Kabaddi driven by IPL matches, inspiring more students to participate in school and local events.
Swamy, a PET at a government school in Adilabad, noted that the professional structure of the mandal competitions has boosted the confidence of young Kabaddi and Kho-Kho players. Additionally, BJP MP Godam Nagesh has promoted Kabaddi in the Boath Assembly Constituency by introducing synthetic mats and a professional court in Jatharla village.
