Kabaddi tournament in Hastings proves a hit

Ambu Padda from Auckland's Kalgidhar club (in red) tries to touch a member of the opposite team at the Hastings Kabaddi Cup 2017. Photo/ Warren Buckland.

Players from around the world competed for the Hastings Kabaddi Cup 2017 yesterday.

The tournament, hosted by the Hawke's Bay Indian Association, included 11 clubs from across the country with players from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and India competing.

Organiser JJ Singh said kabaddi, which was a traditional Indian game, was very similar to touch rugby.

"It is a very fast game only lasting 30 minutes but it is a lot of fun."

Mr Singh said the competition, which started at 12pm yesterday at Akina Park in Hastings, was very well run.

"It was an excellent day and even though Hastings didn't walk away with the cup they still played very well."

Waikato won the tournament overall but Mr Singh said the whole day was a "fun fair".

There was a bouncy castle, face painting, sack races and wonderful food which family and friends enjoyed throughout the day.

The next kabaddi match is being held in Auckland at the end of the week, which Mr Singh said was very exciting.

"Hastings is playing well so it should be a good tournament and we are looking forward to it."