Naik Selected as Kabaddi World Cup Referee
As a teacher and coach, Naik has trained several national-level players, including his student Hemalatha, who represented Telangana at national tournaments.
Hyderabad: V. Srinu Naik, physical education director (PED) at Government High School, Chandrayangutta, has been selected as an international technical official (referee) for the 2nd Women’s Kabaddi World Cup to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from November 17 to 24. His selection makes him the first PED from a government school in Telangana to officiate at an international kabaddi event.
The department of school education, Telangana, described the achievement as a proud moment for the state’s education community. Naik has long been associated with the sport and has served as an umpire in Pro Kabaddi League from Season 7 to Season 12. He was also a referee in the India–Australia Kabaddi match held in Melbourne in December 2024.
As a teacher and coach, Naik has trained several national-level players, including his student Hemalatha, who represented Telangana at national tournaments. Officials said his appointment reflects the growing contribution of government school educators to India’s sports ecosystem.
Dr E. Naveen Nicolas, director of school education, felicitated Naik for his achievement. “The talent of our government school teachers is now being recognised beyond national borders,” he said. “Srinu Naik’s success is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for the entire education department. Our students are excelling in sports under such dedicated mentors,” he noted.
