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The game that originated in the ruler hinterland of the country is now an upcoming sport that has caught the imagination of Polish youngsters and has resulted in the European nation winning titles in Europe and representing the continent in the Kabaddi World Cups. 

The 'kabaddi connection' between the two countries was brought to light by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday. PM Modi, who is on an official visit to Poland, revealed the connection between the countries through kabaddi during his address

"We are connected through the game of Kabaddi as well. This game reached Poland through India and they took it to great heights. Poland is going to host the Kabaddi championship for the first time. I want to wish good luck to their team," the Prime Minister said while delivering his keynote address at a function celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Poland.

To take forward the sport's connection between the two countries, PM Modi will be meeting the captains of Poland's men's and women's Kabaddi teams on Thursday.

Kabaddi is quite popular in Poland, as it resembles the European game of tag and wrestling, and they are the current European Champions. Michal Spickzo from Poland was the first European to play in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), the fastest-growing professional league in the country.

It was introduced in Poland when a sportsperson from India, Abhishek Sharma, decided to start a club. With the support of the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) member Ashok Das, Abhishek Sharma, who moved to Poland in 2007 after completing his MS course in Bio-Technology, started the 'Kabaddi Project' in 2010. Since then, Sharma has poured all the money he earned into popularising kabaddi and has brought the sport to this stage.

The Poland men's national team qualified and played in the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in Ahmedabad, India, and caused a sensation by defeating the then World Champions Iran in a preliminary group match.

Though they finished fourth in the group and failed to advance to the next stage, the result showed that Kabaddi has a bright future in Poland.

The current visit by Prime Minister Modi is sure to further strengthen the connection between the two countries.

(IANS)

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A bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud asked the protesting medical community to return to work and assured that no adverse action will be taken against the doctors.

"Ask them first to return to work. Once they return to work, nobody is going to take adverse action against the doctors. Let them first come back to work and then, if there is any difficulty, we will make sure that no adverse action is taken against the doctors," said the Bench, also comprising Justices JB Padriwala and Manoj Misra, adding that "the poor people coming to hospital cannot be left behind in the lurch."

It said, "They (patients) take appointments two years back, and suddenly told that they will not be attended. Let all doctors resume work. Please rest assured that once the doctors resume duty, then we will prevail upon the authorities to not take any adverse action. How does public health infrastructure run if doctors will not resume work?"

During the hearing on suo moto case titled "Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, and related issues", the apex court was apprised that several punitive measures, including marking protesting doctors on leave, deduction of casual leaves, etc. were taken by administration of different hospitals across the country against the protesting doctors.

In an earlier hearing held Tuesday, the CJI Chandrachud-led Bench urged doctors and medical professionals across the country to resume work at the earliest.

"Since this court is seized of the matter pertaining to the safety and well-being of all medical professionals at their workplaces, and the issue involving high national priority, we will request all the doctors, who are abstaining from work, to resume work at the earliest," it said, adding that medical community stand assured that their concerns are receiving the highest attention of the Supreme Court.

It ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a status report detailing the status of the investigation within two days as well as the state government to file a status report in relation to the incident of vandalisation inside the hospital premises.

Meanwhile, the Centre Wednesday issued an office memorandum constituting a National Task Force (NTF) under the chairmanship of the Union Cabinet Secretary in compliance with the apex court directive.

The NTF, which has been tasked to formulate effective recommendations relating to the safety, working conditions and well-being of medical professionals, will submit to the Supreme Court an interim report within three weeks and the final report within two months.

(IANS)

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Vijay gave a brief speech after unveiling the yellow and red flag featuring two tuskers and a Vaagai flower surrounded by stars.

During the Sangam period, Tamil kings used to wear garlands made of Vaagai flowers to symbolise victory.

In his speech Vijay said, “Our flag will become the symbol of our state. Along with the flag we are introducing our party anthem also. Our flag will flutter across the country and Tamil Nadu will be better from now on. Victory is certain.”

The General Secretary of the party and former Puducherry MLA, Bussy Anand welcomed the gathering.

The TVK was launched in February and this was its first public programme. Vijay’s entry into politics will certainly change the present political equations in Tamil Nadu.

Vijay is a star in his own right and his fan club ‘Vijay Makkal Iyyakam’ has ten lakh members. The fan club was founded immediately after his entry as a lead actor in the movie, ‘Naalaiya Theerpu’ (1992).

Vijay Makkal Iyyakam is now registered as All India Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyyakam (AITVMI). Vijay has now entered the elite club of Tamil matinee idols who joined politics.

This list includes the iconic actor, MG Ramachandran (MGR) who floated the AIADMK and went on to become one of the most popular Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu to Dr J Jayalalithaa who was also a matinee idol who went on to become one of the strongest Chief Ministers of the state.

However, not all Tamil actors who join politics script a success story. For instance, Sivaji Ganesan, Vijaykanth and Kamal Haasan were not that successful in the politics of Tamil Nadu.

The living legend of the Tamil movie industry, Rajinikanth had announced his political entry just prior to the 2016 Assembly polls but backed off citing ill health.

It may be recalled that in the 2021 local body polls, AITVMI contested on 169 seats and won 115. It was a surprise win as Vijay’s fan club had outdone Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) - both of which drew a blank.

Vijay is focussing on the 2026 Assembly elections and has already announced that he will retire from movies after the highly anticipated action thriller, GOAT is released in September.

(IANS)

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