{
  "id": 13373868,
  "title": "53rd State-Level Kabaddi Championship Begins In Vasai-Virar, Sparks Political Row Over ₹59 Lakh Civic Funding & Invitation Snub | Video",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/53rd-state-level-kabaddi-championship-begins-in-vasai-virar-sparks",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T08:25:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/53rd-state-level-kabaddi-championship-begins-in-vasai-virar-sparks-political-row-over-59-lakh-civic-funding-invitation-snub-video"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 53rd State-Level Kabaddi Championship commenced in Virar West, Palghar district, on Thursday, October 8th. The four-day tournament, spanning from October 8th to 11th, attracted nearly 800 participants from 50 teams across 25 districts of Maharashtra. With 30 matches played on the first day itself, the event has generated considerable excitement in Virar.\n\nThe championship, organized jointly by the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association and Palghar District Kabaddi Association, took place in a grand pavilion at the MHADA ground in Bolinj, Virar West. Six specially prepared courts hosted the matches, with the inaugural ceremony attended by notable figures including former MLA Kshitij Thakur, former Mayor Pravina Thakur, and Palghar District Kabaddi Association Vice President Manikrao Dutonde.\n\nIn a political controversy, the BJP raised concerns over the allocation of ₹59 lakh in civic funds for the event. Allegations emerged that the Kabaddi Association had printed separate invitation cards and inaugurated the event solely by leaders of the Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi (BVA), despite the event being funded by the municipal corporation. The timing of the event's start at 5 PM also sparked debate, as the BJP questioned the protocol following an invitation received at 5:10 PM. The response from the organizers remains pending.",
  "summary": "Vasai: Palghar district is hosting the 53rd State-Level Kabaddi Championship, which kicked off with great enthusiasm on Thursday in a grand pavilion at the MHADA ground in Bolinj, Virar West. Held from October 8 to 11, the four-day event features nearly 800 players across 50 teams representing 25 districts of Maharashtra. The championship has created a vibrant sports atmosphere in Virar, with 30…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}