Kabbadi legend Devi Dyal remembered for philanthropy

Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, JAN 17

Former district sports officer and national kabaddi coach Devi Dyal worked as an unsung crusader against drug abuse, eve-teasing and illegal immigration, say his contemporaries and fans in the world of rural sports.

Besides undertaking organised programmes to motivate youths to adopt sportsmanship as an element of lifestyle and shun drugs, Dyal used to sensitise tournament organisers and referees to ensure safety and esteem of women players and children.

Shiv Kumar Buta, an office-bearer of the Ahmedgarh Sports Association and Welfare Club, said kabaddi facilitators associated with the organisation had shared several sessions with Devi Dyal when he used to visit Kila Raipur Sports Fair and other tournaments in the region. “We used to reschedule our events according to his convenience as we wanted to learn the maximum from him,” said Buta, adding that Devi Dyal was so humble that he would be easily available to referees and organisers for informal discussions during the tournament.

Kewal Krishan Narad, an NRI from Pohir village said that Devi Dyal was avowed against illegal immigration (kabootarbazi) under the guise of participation in international sporting events. “He was so strict on the issue that once he had forced his nephew and one of the dearest players to return to India from the US where he (nephew) intended to stay for a long time,” said Narad, adding that the player obeyed Dyal and consequently rose much higher in the world of kabaddi. Narad further asserted that Devi Dyal used to support boys and girls from poor families financially, but never exploited their helplessness.

Kamla Maudgil, a philanthropist from Norway, said she had helped many youths shun drug abuse and adopt sports as careers on the recommendations of Devi Dyal. “What we appreciated most in him is that he advocated security, safety and esteem of women players and organisers,” said Maudgil.

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