Sports Minister Amar Kumar Bauri said on Thursday that the Government was open to offer any kind of possible help to Kabaddi in the State.
Welcoming Patna Pirates Pro Kabaddi league team in Ranchi which has chosen the city as its second home ground, Bauri said that the centuries old street sport has achieved height of becoming another Cricket in rural areas as far as seeking career in one of the sports is concerned, and government is ready to invest in it.
“It is a day of pride for the State which is going to host Kabaddi matches for the first time. Almost all of us have played Kabaddi in our teens. Kabaddi has become as glamorous as Cricket after Pro Kabaddi league was started, and I am glad that Patna Pirates is here to play 11 of its matches here in Ranchi. I am sure their presence will encourage Kabaddi aspirants in State to pursue career in it and earn name,” said Bauri who also holds Tourism and Youth Affairs portfolios with him.
Two times defending champions of Pro Kabaddi league Patna Pirates hopes to thrill enthusiasts with their signature raids and defense techniques under captaincy of Pardeep Narwal right from first match which is scheduled against Telugu Titans at Harivansh Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium. Notably, 12 matches are scheduled to be played in Ranchi now after rescheduling of match between U Mumba and Gujrat Fortune Giants on September 20 after one of their matches were cancelled due to rain in Mumbai earlier this month.
“Patna Pirates will provide fans in Ranchi an opportunity to watch their favourite stars live in action. We will be playing for the first time in front of Ranchi fans in season 5 of Pro Kabaddi league,” said Patna Pirates CEO Pawan S Rana.