KHDA officials, Indian Consulate to play 'Kabaddi' at Dubai's Indian High School

KHDA got interested in the sport after the 30x30 challenge that took place last year, where Indian High School played a friendly match against KHDA.

Emiratis and Indian diplomats will sweat it out in the mud as they play an exhibition 'kabaddi' match on Friday. Senior officials from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Consulate General of India (CGI) will play the match at the Indian High School in Dubai at 5pm.
According to a KHDA spokesperson, director-general Dr Abdulla Al Karam will take part in the game. "The UAE's first-ever Kabaddi League will be played on the eve of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE. The tournament will be a demonstration of the strong UAE-India ties," said the spokesperson.

'Kabaddi kabaddi kabaddi!' Who will win the grand exhibition match in the new Kabaddi League - KHDA or the Consulate General of India? Come & watch the game this Friday at Indian High School! @cgidubai @IndianHigh_DXB pic.twitter.com/NWheB2X9Um
- KHDA (@KHDA) February 6, 2018

Pankaj Bodkhe, consul (economic and education), CGI, said: "We're doing this in a bid to popularise the sport of kabaddi in the UAE. Eight CGI officials will be part of the game, and the good thing is that the KHDA is taking a keen interest in the sport."
Bodhke explained that the KHDA got interested in the sport after last year's 30X30 Dubai Fitness Challenge, when the Indian High School played a friendly match against the authority.
CEO of Indian High School Ashok Kumar said: "This is the first time ever that a rural Indian game will be hosted under the patronage of the KHDA and Consulate General of India."
Kabaddi is a contact team sport popular in south Asia.
Students of various schools in the UAE will be playing the finals of the league on Friday. There are eight teams, with 12 students in each team, seven players and five substitutes.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai