Unprecedented participation of 2,092 student-athletes from across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, making it one of the largest inter-school sporting meets in the region this year
Velchala Rajender Rao, Chairman, District Kabaddi Association, Karimnagar, announced Rs one Lakh cash prize for Winners, Runners, Best Defender and Riders for both boys and girls
KARIMNAGAR, July 25: In a spectacular display of sportsmanship and youthful energy, Vivekananda Residential School, Vivekanandapuri, Karimnagar town, along with collaboration with Sister Nivedita School, Hyderabad, hosted the grand Inaugural Ceremony of the CBSE Cluster-VII Kabaddi Tournament (Boys & Girls) – 2026.
The mega event, which kicked off on Saturday, has drawn an unprecedented participation of 2,092 student-athletes from across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, making it one of the largest inter-school sporting meets in the region this year.
The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, with Jangam Sunil Kumar, Deputy Secretary & Regional Officer of the CBSE Regional Office, Hyderabad, Telangana, serving as the Chief Guest. The tournament was organised under the esteemed presence of the Guests of Honour: Velchala Rajender Rao (Chairman, District Kabaddi Association), Dr Ch. Amit Kumar (President, District Kabaddi Association), V. Srinivas (DYSO, Karimnagar), Ch. Sampath Rao (Vice President, District Kabaddi Association), and B. Mallesh Goud (Secretary, District Kabaddi Association).
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Chief Guest Jangam Sunil Kumar emphasised the importance of sports in holistic education. “Physical fitness and team spirit are the cornerstones of a student’s personality. Events like these, bringing together over two thousand students from two states, are a testament to the growing sporting culture in our educational institutions. I congratulate the management of Vivekananda Residential School for organising this colossal event with such precision,” he stated.
Guests of Honour Velchala. Rajender Rao, Chairman, District Association, Karimnagar, announced Rs one Lakh cash prize for Winners, runners-up, Best Defender and Riders for both boys and girls and also addressed the young athletes, encouraging them to play with integrity and respect for the game. District Kabaddi Association officials highlighted that this tournament serves as a vital platform to scout raw talent for district and state-level competitions.
The event features teams competing in both boys’ and girls’ categories, divided into Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 age groups. The sprawling grounds of Vivekananda Residential School are currently buzzing with fierce competition as teams from various districts vie for the top spot.
The school’s administrative and academic leadership played a pivotal role in orchestrating the massive event. Dr. Kondal Rao Velchala (Founder Chairman), Dr. Sudhakar Rao Polsani (Chairman), Dr. T. Lalitha
Kumari (Director Academics), and Dr. R. Retheesh (Principal) oversaw the smooth conduct of the games. They were ably supported by Mr. Gandra Laxman Rao (Advisory Committee), Mr. M. Prashant (Vice Principal), and Mrs. V. Anita (Headmistress), who worked tirelessly alongside the dedicated faculty and staff to ensure flawless execution.
The management extended its warmest regards to the parents who gathered in large numbers to cheer the young athletes, as well as the teachers and students whose enthusiastic participation brought vibrant energy to the grounds. The competition is set to continue over the coming days, with final matches expected to draw massive crowds and foster a true spirit of camaraderie.
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