The historic town of Sinnar is preparing to host a major athletic spectacle as the 73rd edition of the Senior State Championship Selection Trial Kabaddi Tournament, widely known as the Shiv Chashak, kicks off this spring. Scheduled to run from April 2 to April 6, 2026, the high-stakes event will be held at the Namo Krida Nagari grounds in Nashik. This prestigious competition serves as a critical bridge between emerging rural talent and the professional heights of the sport, offering a direct path toward national recognition.
Spectators can expect a high level of technical skill on the mat due to the participation of several established Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) athletes. These professionals bring a wealth of experience that challenges and inspires younger players looking to make their mark on the circuit. The presence of these prominent stars is anticipated to draw significant crowds and elevate the overall competitive atmosphere of the five-day tournament.
Key players set to feature in the championship include:
- Akash Shinde: A hometown hero from Nashik currently signed with the Bengaluru Bulls.
- Ajit Chavan and Tejas Patil: The standout duo from Pune, representing U Mumba and the Haryana Steelers respectively.
- Aditya Shinde: An Ahmednagar native who has made a name for himself with Puneri Paltan.
- Dadaso Pujari: A Kolhapur stalwart who also represents the Puneri Paltan franchise.
The event is a collaborative effort between the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association, the Nashik District Kabaddi Association, and the Sahyadri Yuva Manch. For the third year running, the digital platform SportVot has secured the exclusive global rights to broadcast the action live. This partnership ensures that kabaddi enthusiasts from across the globe can witness every raid and tackle in real-time from their mobile devices or computers.
Siddhant Agarwal, the CEO of SportVot, noted that the primary goal of this digital integration is to provide a springboard for athletes to reach elite levels. Representatives from the state association echoed this sentiment, highlighting how their three-year collaboration has successfully expanded the sport’s reach to grassroots fans. This tournament remains a cornerstone of the Indian kabaddi ecosystem, fostering growth and identifying the future stars of the national team.
