Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mubarak Al-Thani was elected the new President of Kabaddi Asia, the continental affiliate of the World Kabaddi.
As Kabaddi Asia President, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mubarak Al-Thani will also be appointed the Vice-President of World Kabaddi.
This came during the General Meeting of Kabaddi Asia, held Sunday via video conference, bringing together delegates from fourteen Asian countries.
Dr. Paul Selvam Devadoss (Malaysia), Wyman Tang (Hong Kong, China), Ashok Kumar (India), and Anura Pathirana (Sri Lanka) will serve as the four Vice-Presidents.
Singaporean Maran Chakrapani is the new secretary general of Kabaddi Asia and he will be assisted by Malaysia's S. Devanathan. Chinese-Taipei's Wang Tzu Wen will serve as the Treasurer.
In his address at the meeting, World Kabaddi Secretary General S.T. Arasu expressed his hope that the new executive body would help strengthen kabaddi in Asia.
"Asia is the cradle of world kabaddi and a strong Asia will also reflect on stronger kabaddi worldwide," said Arasu.
He also hoped that the Kabaddi Asia would look into the development of kabaddi at all levels including the conduct of technical and coaching courses to empower the national federations as well as creating and enhancing the tournament calendar. Arasu added that efforts are already ongoing with the All India Kabaddi Federation (AIKF) looking to host the Kabaddi Asia championships in 2025.
Kabaddi originated in the ancient Punjab region of India. It combines wrestling and rugby and requires physical strength, agility, long breath, and neuromuscular coordination with quick reaction times.
