Amidst bursting of crackers and warm round of applause, host Andhra Pradesh telecom won the prestigious 14th all India Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited kabaddi tournament by defeating Karnataka 48-25 at Railway Stadium here on Friday.
The one-sided final, which was dominated by A.P., saw the host finishing the first half breather at 22-13. AP team posted four lonas , one in the first half and three in the second. It maintained the nine-point lead in the second half and emerged winners to pocket Rs. 50,000. Karnataka carried home Rs. 20,000.
Both Haryana and Rajasthan were declared joint third place in the three-day tournament in which seven teams took part.
“A.P. team excelled both in offence and defence,” observed N. Arjun Rao, Sports Welfare Officer, and Vijayawada Division, who represented Indian in kabaddi in the 90s. Chief Referee S. Yadav appreciated the teams taking part in a sportive spirit by following the rules and regulations.
Speaking at the prize distribution function, Vijayawada Municipal Commissioner C. Harikiran lauded the efforts of A.P. telecom in hosting the national event and pointed out the importance of indulging sports and games to stay fit and healthy.
The organising committee gave away mementoes to all the technical staff and team management for their support for conducting the tournament in a successful manner.
A.P. telecom senior General Manager V. Sundar and several officials from the telecom sector attended the valedictory function.
