After finding a quiet spot in a buzzing SAC, Keshav Kumar, the BOSM coordinator of the Haryana Cultural Association (HCA), took time out of his hectic evening for an interview with the BOSM English Press about HCA’s role in the fest.

While it may be confusing as to what a cultural association organises in a sports meet, the HCA manages to add their own flavour to it. The HCA is organizing two events this year: Kabaddi and tug-of-war. With Kabaddi steadily growing in popularity—thanks to events like Pro Kabaddi League—and the universal accessibility of tug-of-war, Keshav remarked that he expects a good turnout this year. The HCA has also organised for prizes to be awarded to the top two teams of the Kabaddi tournament.

An emphasis the HCA puts on their events is accessibility. Both events have on spot registrations and do not require any pre-requisite experience with the sport to participate, making them open for all. 

Keshav pointed out that despite the informal nature of the events, a lot of thought and planning goes into organizing them. They have arranged for and accommodated a referee all the way from Mahendragarh, Haryana to preside over the Kabaddi matches. They also have a lot of physical work like setting out the chalk after each game, collecting registrations, and ensuring the safety of their participants, which is crucial given the physical nature of these sports. This year, Keshav personally vetted the sand to be used in this year’s Kabaddi event after a few players got injured last year due to the sand used. 

In spite of all the physical work done by the HCA to run the events, the CoSSAc has not provided a tent to the organization for them to rest in. While this has been a point of annoyance, Keshav mentioned that the CoSSAc, along with all other clubs, has been working quite diligently to ensure the smooth running of the fest.

Talking about his role as coordinator, Keshav mentioned that he is extremely proud of the work being done by the HCA and is enjoying his time as coordinator. Being able to bring their own culture and values to a place outside their home is fulfilling work for the members of the HCA.