Kabaddi: Gehlot stands down, son takes over as RKA president

JAIPUR: Janardan Singh Gehlot, a father figure to Indian Kabaddi, announced his retirement from Rajasthan Kabaddi Association (RKA) but kept the grip over administration of the sport by giving the responsibility to his son Tejesvi Singh.
Gehlot, who is still the president of the International Kabaddi Federation, announced on Sunday that his son has been elected unanimously to take over the reins from him at an annual general meeting.The whole executive committee present gave their approval.
Apart from him, Dinesh Saxena replaced Tejesvi as chairman, LN Jalani changed seat with Dinesh Saxena as vice-president, Narendra Kumar of Ajmer replaced Thakurmal Sharma as treasurer, and CP Joshi was elected joint secretary. Govind Narayan Sharma remained in the secretary's post.
After the elections, Gehlot said: "I have been working for the association as president since 1970. I have now decided to give a chance to the new generation."
"I have seen many highs during my time. It is time for the next generation to take the mantle forward," he added.
Newly elected president Tejesvi said: "I have grown up in a kabaddi atmosphere. Earlier it was played on sand and now on mats. I will try my best to spread the game all over the country and the world."
Recently in the auctions, defender Mohit Chhillar, a clerk in North Western Railway, saw his earnings rocket nine-fold from 2014 when Bengaluru Bulls made a successful bid to grab him for Rs 53 lakh for the upcoming season 4 of the Pro Kabaddi League.
The successful bid for Chhillar by Bengaluru for the right corner defender from season 2 champions U Mumba was the highest of the day at the auctions.
Season 4 of PKL, to be held less than four months after the completion of season 3 in early March, is to be held from June 25 to July 31 with the first leg matches scheduled at Pune and the two semi-finals and final at Hyderabad.