Haridwar (Uttarakhand), March 23 : The trophy to be given to the overall champion of the Yuva All-Stars Championship was unveiled in a grand ceremony held over the weekend here, marking an important moment in this ongoing national tournament. The event took place inside the championship arena and was attended by key figures from the sports community.

Rajeev Mehta, Former Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and currently the Secretary General of the Fencing Confederation of Asia, was the Chief Guest for the event. He unveiled the trophy in the presence of Mahesh Joshi, President of the Uttarakhand Kabaddi Association, Chetan Joshi, Secretary of the Uttarakhand Kabaddi Association, and D.K. Singh, President of the Uttarakhand Olympic Association.

Speaking on the Trophy launch, Vikas Gautam, CEO, Yuva Kabaddi Series, said "The trophy for the Yuva All-Stars Championship carries a deeper meaning that connects the present to the roots of Kabaddi. Every element in the trophy represents a piece of the journey this sport has taken over the years."

The foundation of the trophy is made of mud sourced from Nagamalai Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu, which holds cultural significance in Kabaddi's history. Many believe that the sport traces its origins to ancient times, even mentioned in the Mahabharata.

Whether from Tamil Nadu or Maharashtra, Kabaddi has long been played in the mud, and many great players and coaches who earned Arjuna and Dronacharya awards began their journey from these traditional grounds. Mud is where strength is built, where growth begins, and where resilience takes shape. That is why the base of the trophy stands on mud, it reflects where it all started.

The pillar in the centre of the trophy represents strength and continuous progress. Surrounding this pillar is wood, symbolizing growth and life. At the top of the structure sits the Kabaddi mat, showing how the game has evolved, from mud to mat, from local grounds to national arenas. The design tells a story of transformation and growth, not just of a sport, but of the people who shape it.

The ceremony brought together players, coaches, school students, and sports officials who came to celebrate the spirit of Kabaddi and the shared journey of everyone involved in making this championship a reality.

The Yuva All-Stars Championship continues to provide a platform for young talent across India and aims to celebrate the roots, progress, and promise of Kabaddi.

/IANS