The Kedah menteri besar joined a kabaddi competition in Simpang Ampat today, adding a spirited “twist” to the Sungai Bakap by-election campaign.

Sanusi played for the “Kedah Menteri Besar 7” team against Sungai Bakap Indian Youths as part of PN’s efforts to engage the Indian community in the race for the state seat.

A traditional Indian contact sport, kabaddi involves two teams, with an attacker from each team taking turns to raid the opposing half and tag as many defenders as possible without being tackled.

Sanusi showed much enthusiasm in his kabaddi debut despite a tumble or two, and showed off his rugby skills when he tackled an opponent.

The 20-minute game was fiercely contested but Sungai Bakap Indian Youths emerged the winners, scoring 29 points against 25 garnered by the menteri besar’s team.

The event at the field at the Mutiara Jaya flats was watched by nearly 100 people, comprising mostly PAS and Gerakan delegates from all over the country.

“It was interesting. I want to encourage Malays to play kabaddi. It is a sport where we can mix with the Indians, too,” Sanusi said.

He said while his team did not win the game today, he was quite certain PN’s candidate Abidin Ismail would win tomorrow’s by-election.