Kabaddi Action Begins At Historic Minjar Mela
The Minjar Mela kabaddi tournament got off to a thrilling start at the famous Chowgan Ground in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, bringing together players, officials, and thousands of spectators as part of the annual International Minjar Fair celebrations. Organised with the support of the Kabaddi Association Chamba and the Minjar Sports Committee, the tournament remains one of the biggest sporting attractions of the traditional festival.
The opening ceremony saw participating players being introduced to dignitaries before the first matches began. The event combines sport with culture, making it one of the most anticipated occasions in the region every year.
Exciting Results On The Opening Day
The Chamba kabaddi tournament started with four one sided but entertaining matches, as several teams produced dominant performances.
Bhattiyat made a strong statement in the opening match by defeating Dugli 44–6. Their disciplined defence and successful raids helped them secure a comfortable victory.
The second match saw Dharamshala completely outplay Kalhel with an impressive 56–10 win. Dharamshala controlled the game from the opening minutes and never allowed their opponents to build any momentum.
Khelo India continued the exciting start to the competition by defeating Saho 33–18. The team displayed excellent teamwork in both attack and defence to register a convincing victory.
The final match of the day delighted the home supporters as Chamba defeated Sirhkund 44–12. The hosts produced an outstanding all round performance to complete a memorable opening day at the tournament.
Under 19 Competition Introduced For The First Time
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s Minjar Mela kabaddi tournament is the introduction of the Under 19 Kabaddi Mahakumbh. It is the first time the youth category has been included in the history of the Minjar Fair, giving young players an important platform to showcase their talent.
To ensure fair competition, organisers introduced strict eligibility rules. Only players born in or after 2008 are eligible to participate, and all participants are required to submit their original Class 10 certificates and Aadhaar cards for age verification.
The addition of the Under 19 competition reflects the organisers’ commitment to promoting grassroots kabaddi and encouraging the next generation of athletes.
Women’s Competition Adds More Excitement
The Chamba kabaddi tournament has also featured exciting matches in the women’s division. The competition witnessed several closely fought contests before Bhattiyat emerged as the champions by defeating Chamba in the women’s final.
The inclusion of women’s kabaddi has further increased the popularity of the event, with local supporters enjoying high quality performances from talented female players representing different teams.
The growing participation of women highlights the continued development of kabaddi across Himachal Pradesh.
Minjar Mela Celebrates Sports And Culture
The historic Chowgan Ground becomes the centre of sporting and cultural activities during the International Minjar Fair every year. Alongside kabaddi, the venue also hosts wrestling, cricket, and several traditional cultural programmes, attracting visitors from across the region.
The Minjar Mela kabaddi tournament provides valuable opportunities for players from Chamba, Dharamshala, and neighbouring districts to compete in front of large crowds. It also helps identify promising young talent while strengthening the sport at the grassroots level.
With an exciting opening day already completed, the Chamba kabaddi tournament promises more competitive matches in the coming days. The successful start has once again shown why the Minjar Mela remains one of Himachal Pradesh’s most celebrated sporting and cultural festivals.
