The Future Kabaddi Heroes (FKH) programme received a truly heartening response with 633aspirants participating in the two-day trials at Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association, Shivaji Park, Mumbai.

The expert panel, led by L. Srinivas Reddy, who coached India in Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 and India Women’s Kabaddi team in Asian Games 2018and International Teams (Republic of Korea in Asian Games 2014 and Australia in 2016 World Cup) and Pratap Shetty – Coach- Bharat Petroleum Kabaddi Team had some tough decisions to make as Kabaddi enthusiasts from all over the state showcased their skills in a bid to make it through to the VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season VII auction pool.

TheFuture Kabaddi Heroes (FKH) programme has had its finalists – young stars such as Nitesh Kumar, Naveen Kumar, Rohit Gulia, Surinder Singh (among others), shortlisted for VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season V&VI auctions and they went on to deliver some record-breaking performances in the League.

Commenting on the talent witnessed ground, L. Srinivas Reddy, said, “We are delighted to be here at the 3rd edition of the Future Kabaddi Heroes Programme in Mumbai. Being a part of the programme for three consecutive years, I am proud of the quality of the talent that has been identified and developed year on year. Mumbai is the first city to host 2019 FKH trials and the response & talent have been extremely promising. We hope to find the same level of participation and talent in subsequent cities of the programme.”

Aswad Patil, Secretary, Maharashtra state association said- “I believe that the Future Kabaddi Heroes programme is an ideal platform for aspiring Kabaddi players to have their skills recognized. Maharashtra has always had a strong affinity for sports and for Kabaddi, and the recent 66th senior kabaddi nationals in Roha, Maharashtra witnessed scores of fans coming to support their heroes. We are elated that the Future Kabaddi Heroes Programme has chosen Mumbai as the first center to host the trials. This programme goes a long way in encouraging young players to pursue Kabaddi at a professional level and we are delighted to be a part of the process.”

Initiated two years ago as a pathway to the auction pool in VIVO Pro Kabaddi, the Future Kabaddi Heroes Programme scouts promising young talent amongst thousands of aspirants from all over the country. Last year the scouting programme received an overwhelming response from over 3420 participants. Post a rigorous three-stage selection process, 85 players finally made it to the VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season VIIauction pool.

Following a rigorous shortlisting process in Phase 1, players will be selected for Phase II where once again only the exceptional, highest potential players would make it to Phase III for the training and subsequently be drafted in the player auction pool of VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 7 under the ‘New Young Players’ category. The training phase follows a program structure developed in consultation with renowned coaches and experts from the field of sports. Along with professional coaches and specialist trainers, the training team also includes physiotherapists and nutritionists, to get the youngsters ready for the demanding requirements of the VIVO Pro Kabaddi League.