BHUBANESWAR 16-Jun-2015 23
Haryana men and host Jajpur Kabaddi Association (JKA) women emerged champions in the 60th All-India Kabaddi Tournament, which concluded at Kanditara in Jajpur district today. Haryana beat Uttar Pradesh 9-5 in the men`s final to take home the top prize of Rs 70,000. The runners-up received Rs 40,000. Earlier in the semifinals, Haryana beat CISF 32-12, while UP prevailed over Delhi 26-7.
Jajpur became richer by Rs 20,000, winning the women`s final 12-10 against West Bengal, who pocketed Rs 10,000. Bijay Kumar of Haryana and S P Mahal of Jajpur were adjudged best male and female player respectively. Earlier in the last-four stage, Jajpur pipped Pipili 17-13, while West Bengal hammered Madhya Pradesh 45-10.
Earlier in the state level men`s tournament, OSAP 6th Battalion (Cuttack) won the title, trouncing KIIT (Bhubaneswar) in the final 27-7. The champion and runner-up teams received Rs 20,000 and RS 10,000 respectively. In semifinals, OSAP 6th Battalion got the better of Pipili 32-16 and KIIT outplayed Patia (Bhubaneswar) 44-11.
Odisha Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Kumar Mallick handed over the prizes at the closing function. Odisha Kabaddi Association secretary Ajay Kumar Behera, JKA president Souribandhu Kar, secretary Rabindra Kumar Prusty were present on the occasion.
