The Future Kabaddi Heroes (FKH) programme, a landmark initiative to foster grassroot level Kabaddi and unearth local talent in India received a great response with 415 aspirants participating at the three-day trials held in Delhi. The players were tested on their Kabaddi skills and fitness. The expert panel, led by Jaivir Sharma, Coach, Sports Authority of India and Srinivas Reddy, Assistant coach of Haryana Steelers for VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season V had some tough decisions to make as Kabaddi enthusiasts from all over Delhi showcased their skills in their bid to make it through to the VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 6 auction pool.
Mashal Sports, the organisers of VIVO Pro Kabaddi League and AKFI jointly announced the Future Kabaddi Heroes (FKH) programme, a comprehensive three-stage talent scouting and development initiative to foster and nurture future Kabaddi champions. Vizag is the next destination for the panel to unearth Kabaddi talent.
Commenting on the talent witnessed on ground Jaivir Sharma, Coach, Sports Authority of India, said, “At the Future Kabaddi Heroes programme in Delhi we witnessed some exceptionally talented Kabaddi players. There were players who travelled from across North India and the NCR region, for the trials. It was overwhelming to see players with such great talent showcase their skills. Looking at the youngsters and the response, our faith in the future of Kabaddi is only getting stronger and this platform is going to boost the entire ecosystem for the sport.”
Shrikanth M, General Secretary, Delhi State Kabaddi Association said- “I believe that the Future Kabaddi Heroes programme is an ideal platform for aspiring Kabaddi players to showcase their skills. The North of India is deeply connected with the sport and is the hot-bed of Kabaddi talent. We are glad that some promising players have emerged after the rigorous three-day selection process.”
Initiated last year as a pathway to the auction pool in VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 5, the Future Kabaddi Heroes (FKH) programme scouts promising young talent from thousands of aspirants from all over the country. Last year the scouting programme received an overwhelming response from over 4600 participants. Post a rigorous three-staged selection process, 133 players finally made it to the VIVO Pro Kabaddi 2017 auction pool.
Following a rigorous shortlisting process, a total of over 200-220 players will be selected for Phase II post the 18 city trials. Out of those, exceptional 80-100 players will be chosen for Phase III for a month long intensive training camp and subsequently be drafted in the player auction pool of VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 6 under the ‘New Young Players’ category. The camp follows an approach developed in consultation with renowned coaches and experts from the field of Kabaddi.