An inter-district kabaddi championship was organised at Serampore by Mahesh Colony Yuva Kishore Sangha and Sukanta Sob Peyechi Ashor. Sixteen teams from north and south Bengal took part in the three-day tournament, which began on Friday and concluded on Sunday evening, with Cooch Behar claiming the trophy.
In the semi-finals, Hooghly defeated Purba Burdwan 22-19, while Cooch Behar beat Murshidabad 21-16. The final saw a closely fought contest between Hooghly and Cooch Behar. Hooghly led 11-5 early on, but Cooch Behar staged a strong comeback to take a 17-14 lead at the interval. Maintaining the momentum, Cooch Behar eventually won the match 30-25 to claim the championship trophy. Hooghly finished runners-up.
Serampore MP Kalyan Banerjee attended the final as chief guest, along with Rishra Municipality chairman Vijay Sagar Mishra and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Banerjee highlighted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s emphasis on women’s empowerment and said increasing participation of women in sports would bring national and international recognition to Bengal and the country.