Tuhin laments lack of international exposure

Tuhin Tarafder has been representing the national kabaddi team for six long years and has taken on the captaincy. The 36-year-old, who also has experience in the Indian Pro-Kabaddi League, spoke to The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman about the problems and prospects of Bangladesh's national sport.

The Daily Star (DS): What is the present condition of kabaddi in Bangladesh?

Tuhin Tarafder (TT): When I started in 2015, there were a lot of problems. But right now the facilities have been enhanced. If we got the current facilities in 2015, we might not be lagging behind that much in international kabaddi. There was a time when South Korea could not compete against Bangladesh, but now it's the reverse. India were our main rivals, but now we can't compete against South Korea, Iran or Pakistan. A lack of patronisation is the main reason for the setback.

DS: Are there any other reasons behind the downturn?

TT: Apart from a lack of patronisation, poor management and planning are the reasons. Interestingly, we don't have a shortage of talented players. There are a lot of players across the country, but there is no system in place that can bring them to the mainstream. Another thing is that we have to create opportunities to give players international exposure and only then can we bring back those glory days. Cricket has reached its current position because of international exposure. Kabaddi is confined to service teams, but the federation should focus on private clubs. Our domestic infrastructure also does not support the development of kabaddi although the federation has taken some initiatives to change the scenario.

DS: What initiatives has the existing committee implemented?

TT: The national team is getting the opportunity to train at home and abroad under a foreign coach. I think top federation officials are very busy due to professional engagements but the rest, who have been given the responsibility to ensure kabaddi's progress, cannot carry out their responsibilities properly. If the players benefit financially, then kabaddi will draw the attention of others. But that is not happening.

DS: Bangladesh used to get silver medals at the Asian Games and South Asian Games, but now they struggle to even win bronze. Why?

TT: As I said before, the lack of international exposure is the main reason for the failure. We have enough talented players. Razib Ahmed, Rabiul Islam, Monirul and Al Amin are considered promising players but they need proper guidance and training to shine at the international level.

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