Culture and tradition played out recently as the National Kabaddi Association of Canada brought the very first Kabaddi tournament to the North Okanagan.
The inaugural Vernon Kabaddi Cup took place on Sunday, Aug. 17, at the DND grounds, where families, sports enthusiasts, and community members came together to experience the excitement of this ancient sport and learn about its deep cultural roots.
The event was free and open to all, making it a true celebration of culture, fitness, and community spirit.
鈥淚t was such an honour to be part of the very first Vernon Kabaddi Cup,鈥� said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby. 鈥淭his incredible event brought people from all walks of life together to celebrate culture, tradition, and athleticism. Kabaddi is more than just a sport 鈥� it inspires our youth, promotes both mental and physical wellness, and shows the power of teamwork and discipline in keeping young people on the right path. The energy, the excitement, and the sense of unity we felt here today is something our community will remember for years to come.鈥�
Sandhu extended heartfelt thanks to the National Kabaddi Association of Canada, the City of Vernon, the organizers, the players, the commentators, and every community member who helped make this historic day possible.
Kabaddi, a traditional sport believed to have originated more than 4,000 years ago in South Asia, is a dynamic team competition requiring strength, speed, strategy, and focus.
One player, called the raider, enters the opposing team鈥檚 half of the court to tag as many players as possible before returning safely 鈥� all while continuously chanting kabaddi.
Over the centuries, the game has grown from its cultural roots to become a globally recognized sport, now proudly celebrated in Vernon for the very first time.
