Kabaddi: No losers as blokes grapple on grass deck

HB association organisers after a successful kabaddi tourney at Akina Park, Hastings on Sunday.

The annual Hawke's Bay Kabaddi Tournament in Hastings lured close to 1000 fans from around the country to Hastings.

"People appreciated the food, face painting, bouncy castles, kids' races and women's musical chairs competition as well which was part of the day," said Jagdeep Singh Judge, the vice-president of the Hastings association.

Kalgidhar Sports Club, of Auckland, won the tourney, taking home the first prize of $2100 and a trophy after beating Chardikala Sports Club, of Tauranga, 30.5-26 points in the final of the eight-team competition at Akina Park.

Last year's champions, Dashmesh Kabaddi Club, of Te Puke, had to settle for third place after losing 30.5-30 points to Chardikala in the semifinals.

"There was only half a point in it, so it was a tough match," Judge said, revealing the third place defaulted to the narrowest margin in losses in the semifinals.

In the other semifinal, Kalgidhar beat Kesari Sports Club, of Auckland, 30.5-29 points.

Runners-up Chardikala pocketed $1800 in prize money and a trophy.

"The rest of the teams were given support because they came from outside the region, so we gave them accommodation, meals and some petrol money to help cover travel costs," Judge said.

Raman Deep Tai-Singh, of Hastings, who was playing Chardikala was named the player of the tourney, collecting $700 in prize money from the Bay association.

"In every raid Rummy was getting a point," Judge said of the 21-year-old security officer.

However, champions Kalgidhar took the other top two awards.

Shami Chahal was declared the best raider, executing 11 of them.

Iqbal Singh Judge, 29, of Hastings, claimed the bragging rights for the tournament stopper with four to his credit.

Jagdeep Singh Judge.

Despite the early morning rain, organiser Jagdeep Singh Judge said the players found no trouble finding traction in the circular Punjabi-style format of kabaddi. "We came in early and cleared the ground of any frost so it shouldn't have affected the players," he said.

Judge saw the irony of two cracker days on either side of Sunday but was happy regardless. The organisers spent yesterday cleaning the ground and the temple.