The Future Kabaddi Heroes (FKH) programme, a landmark initiative to foster grassroot level Kabaddi and unearth local talent in India received a great response with 492 aspirants participating at the three-day trials held in Coimbatore. The players were tested on their Kabaddi skills and fitness. The expert panel, led by Rambir Khokhar, Coach for Haryana Steelers for VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season V and Banani Saha, Coach, India Women’s Team, Asian Championship 2017, had some tough decisions to make as Kabaddi enthusiasts from all over Coimbatore showcased their skills in their bid to make it through to the VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 6 auction pool.

Mashal Sports, the organisers of VIVO Pro Kabaddi League and AKFI jointly announced the Future Kabaddi Heroes (FKH) programme, a comprehensive three-stage talent scouting and development initiative to foster and nurture future Kabaddi champions. Post Coimbatore, the selection panel will move to Thrissur in Kerala, to unearth Kabaddi talent. 

Commenting on the talent witnessed on ground Rambir Khokhar, Coach for Haryana Steelers for VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season V, said, “We witnessed some high potential Kabaddi Players in the Future Kabaddi Heroes programme held in Coimbatore, which has been a source of talent for past seasons of VIVO Pro Kabaddi. Over the last three days, we have seen players with a high level of performance, fitness, skills and game play. It has been a very encouraging experience to evaluate this level of talent in Coimbatore and we hope to witness similar potential and skills in Thrissur as we travel the south of the country.” 

A Saffiyullah, Honorary Secretary, Tamil Nadu Amateur Kabaddi Association said, I believe that the Future Kabaddi Heroes programme is an ideal platform for aspiring Kabaddi players to showcase their skills. Coimbatore is deeply connected with the sport and we have witnessed some skilled and talented players over the past three days who performed exceptionally well and up to professional standards.”

Initiated last year as a pathway to the auction pool in VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 5, the Future Kabaddi Heroes (FKH) programme scouts promising young talent from thousands of aspirants from all over the country. Last year the scouting programme received an overwhelming response from over 4600 participants. Post a rigorous three-staged selection process, 133 players finally made it to the VIVO Pro Kabaddi 2017 auction pool. 

Following a rigorous shortlisting process, a total of over 200-220 players will be selected for Phase II post the 18 city trials. Out of those, exceptional 80-100 players will be chosen for Phase III for a month long intensive training camp and subsequently be drafted in the player auction pool of VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 6 under the ‘New Young Players’ category. The camp follows an approach developed in consultation with renowned coaches and experts from the field of Kabaddi.

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