Karkala: A state level Kabaddi tournament was held as part of Kanthavara Prakruthi celebrations-2015 at Kanthavara Prakruthi stadium here on Sunday.

The tournament was jointly organised by the Prakruthi educational institutions and State Amateur Association. After inaugurating the tournament, the state primary and secondary education minister Kimmane Rathnakar said there should not be an attempt to suppress real talents instead we should identify them and encourage.

Earlier only the judges had the right to choose winners but now we can make use of the technology too, he added.

Ex MLA Gopala Bhandary on the occasion said that sports always strengthens us physically as well as mentally.

International High jump athlete and actor Rohith Kumar Kateel lit the Krida Jyothi and said the children need to be encouraged at the high school level itself by the government, then only our country can achieve success in the sports field.

Director Padmanabha Gowda said the institution has helped many sportsmen national as well as international level and it will be continued in future too.

Prior to the tournament, vehicle rally was held in which athletes, tiger dance group, Bands, students and staff participated.

Administrator Ashok Kumar welcomed and addressed the gathering. Prakruthi institutions president Christin Jerald Crasta presided over the function.

Secretary of the institutions Helen Crasta, Principals Gajanan Bhat, Raghavendra Shenoy, Tahsildar Raghavendra, Amateur Kabaddi Association Udupi president Rajendra, district education officers were present.