If steps are not taken now, in the long run India's position in kabbadi would be like hockey, warns Mr. Umasankar. "We gave the world the game of hockey and today we are nowhere. The same would be with kabbadi.
Already we are facing problem playing with shoes on synthetic mats. Our techniques have slowed down on the mat," he says.
He returned a few weeks ago from a month-long coaching camp in the Caribbean islands and is of the opinion that the prehistoric game from India is getting popular with every passing day and something needs to be done urgently to stay on the top.
Origin of the game
It is believed that the game was born in India 4,000 years ago.
In fact a few sports historians quote that the game has its roots in the concept of `Chakravyuha' that is mentioned in the epic lore Mahabharata.
A power game that requires both the brain and the brawn kabaddi, down the centuries became a local sport in various regions.
It was referred to by different names in different regions of the county like in the western part it was known as hu-tu-tu and in Andhra it was called as chedugudu.
Kabaddi gained national and international importance with its introduction in the 1982 Asia Games in New Delhi and since then it has undergone a sea change.
"Primarily, in the higher competition levels it has moved from the clay and sand courts to the synthetic mat and there is a vast difference in the techniques also.
Countries like Japan have innovated on our traditional techniques, simply watching our video clips.
They are now on par with us," points out Uma. Not only Japan he also adds that countries like Malaysia, Iran and Bangladesh are breathing down our neck.
To stay on top he suggests that we have to not only strengthen our infrastructure but also innovate upon our traditional techniques.
Short of infrastructure
The dusty courts have been replaced by synthetic mats in the international scenario and there are hardly a few matting arenas in India right now.
"To compete with the west we need to organise inter-district tournaments on mats and create more opportunities for playing on this surface.
In countries like the US and Canada daily practice schedules are observed on matting courts.
We also need to promote the game at the school level to generate more interest among the youngsters," says Umashankar Babu.
SUMIT BHATTACHARJEE
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