Sports foster discipline, teamwork and fitness,” says PPA Chairman as Paradip hosts 41st All India Major Ports Kabaddi Tournament

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, FEBRUARY 6, 2026

 “Sports play a vital role in nurturing discipline, teamwork and physical fitness among port employees while strengthening bonds beyond the workplace,” said P. L. Haranadh, Chairman of Paradip Port Authority, as Paradip proudly hosted the 41st All India Major Ports Kabaddi Tournament 2025–26, marking a significant sporting moment for the port town.

The national-level kabaddi tournament is being organised by Paradip Port Authority (PPA) in association with the Major Ports Sports Control Board and is underway from February 6 to 8, 2026, at the Biju Convention Centre, Paradip. Bringing together seven teams from Major Port Authorities across the country, the three-day event has transformed Paradip into a vibrant hub of competitive sport and inter-port camaraderie.

The tournament is being conducted under the leadership of H. S. Rout, Chief Engineer and President of Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad, with Dr. D. P. Sethy, Senior Deputy CMO and Working President of GKS, and Dhuna Chandra Tarai, Secretary, GKS, playing key roles in its organisation. Their coordinated efforts have been instrumental in successfully bringing this prestigious national sporting event to Paradip.

The inaugural function, held on Friday, was graced by P. L. Haranadh as the Chief Guest, while T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairman of Paradip Port Authority, attended as Guest of Honour, adding stature to the opening ceremony. Following the inauguration, the dignitaries interacted with players and officials, extending warm wishes and encouragement to all participating teams.

In his address, Haranadh lauded the organisers for choosing kabaddi, a sport deeply rooted in Indian tradition, and emphasised its importance in promoting teamwork, resilience and physical well-being. He noted that such tournaments go beyond competition, fostering unity and mutual respect among employees of major ports nationwide.

Teams from Chennai Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Mumbai Port Authority, New Mangalore Port Authority, Visakhapatnam Port Authority and host Paradip Port Authority are competing in the tournament. The matches are expected to deliver intense action, tactical brilliance and high standards of sportsmanship throughout the event.

Reaffirming its commitment to employee welfare and a healthy work culture, Paradip Port Authority views the tournament as a platform to strengthen national camaraderie among major ports. The championship will culminate with the final match and valedictory ceremony on Sunday, at the Biju Convention Centre, with sports lovers and the general public invited to witness the celebration of Indian kabaddi.