Munish Sood
MANDI: In a moment of pride for Himachal Pradesh, two prominent names from the state’s kabaddi circuit have been elevated to prestigious positions in the national and state kabaddi administration.
Former national player Prem Thakur has been appointed as the selector for the state-level team by the Himachal Pradesh Kabaddi Association. Simultaneously, Netar Singh Thakur has been designated as a national kabaddi referee, a position that carries significant responsibility and honor.
The appointments coincide with the first edition of the Under-18 State-Level Kabaddi Championship for boys and girls, currently underway from June 20 to 22 at the Indoor Stadium, Chamba Ground, in Nahan, Sirmaur. The championship serves as the platform for selecting players for the national kabaddi squad.
District Kabaddi Association Mandi president Tek Chand Sharma congratulated both Thakur and Singh on their new roles, calling it a proud achievement not just for them but for the entire district. “These appointments are a testament to their dedication, discipline, and contribution to the sport over the years. It’s a matter of immense pride and inspiration for the kabaddi community,” he said.
Sharma said that such roles come with the dual responsibility of upholding the integrity of the game and shaping the future of young athletes. “We are confident that both Prem Thakur and Netar Singh Thakur will perform their duties with excellence and take the state’s kabaddi talent to greater heights,” he said.
He also extended heartfelt thanks to Himachal Pradesh Kabaddi Association president Rajkumar Nitu and Secretary Krishan Lal for recognising and entrusting homegrown talent with such significant responsibilities.
These appointments are being widely seen as recognition of the consistent performance and commitment shown by kabaddi professionals from Himachal Pradesh, and are expected to further boost the morale of emerging players across the state.
