In a significant recognition of his expertise, the Southeast Asian Games Organising Committee has appointed Ravi Shetty, the head coach of the Thailand national kabaddi team, as the Competition Director for the kabaddi championship at the upcoming SEA Games. This historic appointment marks a proud moment for India, particularly for Shetty's hometown of Byadagi in Haveri district, Karnataka.
From Haveri to International Kabaddi Leadership
Ravi Shetty, a seasoned professional with nine seasons of coaching experience in the Pro Kabaddi League, brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. His journey from Karnataka to shaping kabaddi in Thailand and across Southeast Asia has been remarkable. Shetty's leadership is credited with the rapid growth and professionalization of kabaddi in the region, elevating Thailand's status on the regional sports map.
Since taking charge of the Thai national program, Shetty focused on building structured training systems and enhancing technical skills. His work has directly contributed to raising the competitive standards of Thai kabaddi internationally. A testament to this growth is the expansion of the sport at the SEA Games, where kabaddi is now contested for three gold medals each in the men's and women's categories.
Innovative Formats for Regional Growth
Shetty's core strategy for popularizing kabaddi was visionary. "My vision was strategic: if every participating country could secure at least one medal, their governments and sports authorities would naturally begin to recognise and invest in kabaddi," Shetty shared. To achieve this long-term development goal, he pioneered new, accessible formats of the game tailored for emerging kabaddi nations.
After extensive experimentation, he introduced two innovative versions: Kabaddi Three Star and Kabaddi Super Five. These formats, which require fewer players and are played for a shorter duration but demand higher technical skill, have been ideal for multi-sport events like the SEA Games. Crucially, these formats have received official approval from the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), a major milestone for the sport's evolution in Southeast Asia.
A Matter of Pride and Global Encouragement
The appointment has sparked celebrations in Shetty's home district. Shivanand Mallanagoudra, secretary of the Haveri District Amateur Kabaddi Association, expressed immense happiness, stating it was a "matter of pride for Haveri district." He further hoped that this recognition would help encourage and promote the traditional Indian sport of kabaddi on a global scale.
Reflecting on his journey, Shetty acknowledged the initial challenges, "Kabaddi was a new sport for many Southeast Asian countries. I travelled across several smaller nations with the objective of developing the game at the grassroots and national levels." His dedication was recognized by the Southeast Asian Countries Kabaddi Federation, which nominated him as head coach, setting the stage for this latest prestigious role as Competition Director for the region's premier sporting event.
