Kabaddi returned to the national circuit after a whopping nine-month-long hiatus owing to the global pandemic as Sahyog Kreeda Mandal in Gotegaon, a small town around 60km away from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, successfully conducted the 38th All India Men Kabaddi Championship (AIMKC) from 20th to 23rd January 2021. 

AIMKC is a tournament that has been in existence since 1982, and for the past 37 years, it has been conducted on the same dates and the finals have always been played on January 23; the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. 

Year 2021 marked the 125th birth Anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose and ONGC, Sonepat pipped Air Force, Delhi 38-24 to win the title, and a prize money of rupees 3 lakhs in absolute style.

Going back in history, Subhas Chandra Bose shares a deep relationship with Jabalpur as he attended the Tripuri Congress Convention from March 4 to 11, 1939 despite not being down with a severe fever. 

Even the Central Jails in Jabalpur is named after the famed freedom fighter as he was imprisoned there twice. Bose was first brought into this jail on May 30, 1932, and was sent to Madras on July 16. He made his second trip on February 18 1933 and after being diagnosed with tuberculosis, he was sent to Europe on March 22 1933.

Residents of Jabalpur share a special bond with Subhas Chandra Bose. Several buildings, even the jail, where he was imprisoned, as well as a medical college, is named after him. On his  125th birth anniversary, Sahyog Kreeda Mandal inaugurated a statue of Subash Chandra Bose.

AIMKC is known for being an extremely competitive tournament. Almost three to four players who are/have played in the Pro Kabaddi League remain a part of each team. Last year, as many as 72 PKL were a part of the competition.

List of prizes in All India Men Kabaddi Championship:

1st Prize - 3 Lakhs and a shield

2nd Prize - 2 Lakhs and a shield

3rd Prize - 1 Lakhs and a shield

Best Raider - 11K

Best Defender - 11K

Best Player - 11K

This year, ONGC, Sonepat dominated the final right from the beginning and broke little sweat to get the better of Air Force Delhi.

Feature image courtesy: Kabaddiadda.com