Jharkhand State Kabaddi Association on Wednesday decided to roll out its own version of Pro Kabbadi a move they claimed would promote the game at grassrootslevel and generate interest especially among youths.

Titled as Jharkhand Kabaddi Championship 2016, the meet is planned to be held from December 16-18 at Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi. Sanjay Kumar Jha, secretary of the state outfit, said that they had tied up with Innovation Event, an event management company, for this tournament. A total of 16 teams would take part in the first edition, Jha informed. "A total of 16 franchisees - eight teams for boys and eight for girls - will take part," he explained at a news conference on Wednesday.

The 16 squads will comprise different districts of Jharkhand. "The men's teams will be from Ranchi, Bokaro, Jamtara, Gumla, Godda, Dhanbad, Giridih and Latehar, while the girls will be from Ranchi, Gumla, Dumka, Bokaro, Palamau, Garhwa, Koderma and Ramgarh.

The team auction is expected to take place next month. "We are in talks with some of the companies and individuals who have shown interest already. Let' see. Further modalities will be announced next month," Jha added.