Naveen Kumar ruled out of the 51st Inter-Services Kabaddi Championship

The 51st Inter-Services Kabaddi Championship kicks off on July 15th, igniting the courts at the Grenadier Centre in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. From the 15th to the 19th, India's finest kabaddi players from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will showcase their skills and vie for the coveted championship title. Meanwhile, the Air Force team’s captain Naveen Kumar is ruled out of the tournament.

This tournament serves as a vital platform for these elite athletes. Not only does it allow them to display their talent on a national stage, but it also helps identify and groom promising players for the prestigious Services Kabaddi Team, which represents the Indian defense forces.

Four teams are gearing up for this intense battle:

• Red Army: Led by the formidable Neeraj, a star defender for the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) team Patna Pirates. Neeraj's reputation precedes him, and fans can expect the Red Army to boast an aggressive and impenetrable defense.
• Green Army: Mahender Singh, a PKL player for the Bengaluru Bulls, captains the Green Army. Renowned for his strategic defensive skills and strong leadership, Mahender is sure to guide his team with a calculated approach. This combination of strategy and talent makes the Green Army a force to be reckoned with.
• Navy: The Navy team finds its captain in Surjeet Narwal, another player from the Bengaluru Bulls in the PKL. Surjeet's experience and defensive prowess add depth to the Navy's squad, making them a strong contender for the championship.
• Air Force: While a slight setback has hit the Air Force team with Captain Naveen Kumar being ruled out of the tournament, a new captain is yet to be announced. Despite this change, the Air Force is known for nurturing skilled players, and the team is sure to comprise athletes eager to prove their mettle on the national stage.

The absence of Naveen Kumar is a major blow, and it will be interesting to see who steps up to lead the Air Force. Will a seasoned player take the helm, or will a young talent emerge as the new captain? 

The press conference announcing the tournament also highlighted that there are no cash prizes awarded. However, the stakes remain high. Players understand that exceptional performance at the Inter-Services Championship will put them on the radar for selection to the prestigious Services Kabaddi Team.