What began as a simple interest shaped by family has grown into a defining moment for INTI International University Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering student Kavinraj A/L Palanisamy, who was crowned champion at the 14th Edition of the Kejohanan Kabaddi Pesta Angin Timur Perlis 2026 (PAT2026) on 7 February 2026.
Kavinraj poses with his team after the win. In a short span of time, he progressed from a handful of training sessions to being selected as one of ten players from a pool of fourteen, before earning his place in the Perlis state team as its only new addition.
Held at Dataran Lapang Kangar Jaya in Perlis, the tournament brought together teams from eight states and featured seasoned competitors, including national-level players.
Organised by the Jabatan Kesenian dan Kebudayaan Negara in collaboration with the Persatuan Kabaddi Perlis, the championship set a demanding stage for both emerging and experienced athletes.
For Kavinraj, stepping into that environment marked a significant point in a relatively short time in the sport. He only began playing kabaddi in 2023, but has since competed in more than 20 tournaments, developing into an all-round player with strength in both raiding and defence, particularly in the right cover position.
The final was closely contested, with both sides refusing to give ground. After regular play ended in a tie, the match moved into golden raids, where each attempt carried the weight of the championship. The Perlis state team eventually secured the win.
That progress, however, came with missed chances along the way. Earlier opportunities to compete at higher levels did not work out due to timing and commitments, making this tournament one he was determined not to miss.
“Once, I was selected to represent Melaka at SUKMA, but the timing clashed with my exams, and my father did not allow me to participate. Later, I received another invitation from Kuala Lumpur for a state-level competition, but I was overseas at the time,” he said. “This competition felt like a golden opportunity. I had no pending assignments or upcoming tests, which is why my father allowed me to take part.”
As the Perlis squad’s only new addition, Kavinraj had to adapt quickly. He drew on his training with the Soldaddu Kabaddi Club and his intervarsity experience to settle into the team, while continuing to manage the demands of his engineering studies.
In the weeks leading up to the tournament, that balancing act became more demanding. Alongside regular training and late-night study sessions, he needed to meet strict weight requirements within a short period. The discipline required for that preparation came with its own challenges.
“Only the necessary meals,” he said. “I don’t eat carbs at all. I have only been eating proteins and fruits for the last three weeks. It caused me to black out during one of my training sessions, and I had to sit out.”
He carried that preparation into the final against Wilayah Persekutuan, where the intensity on court reflected the effort leading up to it. The match remained tightly contested, with scores level and tensions rising as disagreements broke out during play. It eventually stretched into multiple rounds of the Golden Raid before a winner could be decided.
Kavinraj’s team secured the victory in a hard-fought finish against an opponent made up of several national players.
Earlier opportunities to compete at state level had slipped through due to academic and personal commitments. This time, Kavinraj was determined to make it count.
Behind the result was steady support at home. He credits his brother, who introduced him to kabaddi and coached him in the early stages, as well as his mother, who helped him stay disciplined with his diet throughout his preparation.
Now back on campus, Kavinraj has returned to his routine of classes and training, with plans to take things further. He hopes to start a kabaddi club at INTI, creating a space for other students to learn the sport and compete at the intervarsity level