Premier League to revive indigenous Santhal sport

The Premier League for Kati, an indigenous sport pioneered by Santhal community but currently on the verge of extinction, began today in an attempt to revive it.
Around 1,500 players from about 240 teams from Jharkhand and Odisha will vie for top honours during the eight series round-robin Kati Premier League kickstarted by Tata Steel, a press release today said.
The matches of Kati Premier League being played under two categories -- senior and junior -- will be held across eight locations in two states.
The first series of the tourney's league matches were played at Palidih, in Potka block, near here on Friday and Nachasoi A Warriors and FC Fuljhari Tigers have emerged as the winners in senior and junior categories.

The finals will be held at Jaipal Stadium in Karandih, Jamshedpur, on March 4.
Traditionally played by youths from Santhal community after harvest season by teams, each comprising ten members, Kati is one of the tribal sports which require coordination of eye, hands and legs.