Kabaddi stars join elite stage

Interviews: Richard Long
Picture: Graeme Main

FOR newcomers to any sport the opening weeks of training are usually spent mastering the basic skills and technique needed to perform at a novice standard.

But for the Servicewomen who helped form the first-ever England ladies kabaddi team there have been no such luxuries.

Just weeks after signing-up for the all-action discipline, the proud personnel faced a baptism of fire against one of the sport’s heavyweight countries at the international championships in Italy.

Although the team tasted defeat in its series with Japan, the performances on court suggested kabaddi has a bright future within the Army’s female ranks.

“The team has only been together for six weeks and the commitment from all the ladies has been outstanding,” coach Sgt Scott Burrell (APTC) told SoldierSport.

“They [Japan] could not believe we had been together for such a short space of time.

“This was our first event and it was a good test for the women. They are raring to go again and they do not want to lose that momentum.”

Japan, who narrowly lost to world champions India at the last World Cup, ultimately proved too strong for the England team due to their vast experience and explosive pace around the court.

The first match resulted in a 39-24 defeat, with the second clash ending 28-15 in the opposition’s favour, but Burrell was pleased with the overall performance of his side.

“The team was eager to make contact in either an attack or a tackle but the Japanese raiders proved to be so quick and unpredictable,” the coach explained.

“We had the ability and the strength but the Japanese had the experience and speed.”

As well as providing a first taste of serious action, the event offered important networking opportunities.

Plans are now in place to form an Army women’s team and matches in Japan, Canada, India and the USA are in the pipeline as the sport continues to grow.

Team captain Cpl Lucy Steele (REME) is hoping the Service team becomes a realityand only has positive things to say about kabaddi.

“I was based at Larkhill and saw the men’s team training, I was really intrigued by the sport,” she said.

“I got speaking to the manager who thought it would be great if we could get a women’s team together.

“I love it. I have never been involved in contact sports before and I really enjoy it.

“We have managed to recruit a few girls who have a rugby background; they love the game and its culture.

“It was a bit surreal being in Italy playing against Japan. They were awesome – thesport has been in the country for ten years and their drills were really slick.

“Our girls had only been together for six weeks but we did alright and the future looks promising.

“It was like a Sunday league football side playing a Premiership team and it really pushed us.

“But we held our own and with more training we can progress and become a good squad.

“The sport is definitely going places. It is very interesting and the cultural side is amazing.”

If you are interested in joining the women’s team, contact Sgt Burrell on 94222 8329.