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News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
'We're Confident And Ready': Gaurav Khatri Eyes More Glory In PKL Season 12
Gaurav Khatri, inspired by Kabaddi from a young age, joined Puneri Paltan in Season 9 as an injury replacement. Despite losing the final, they won the trophy in Season 10. Puneri Paltan's star defender Gaurav Khatri's story is nothing short of a Bollywood script. Having been brought up in a household where Kabaddi was a known sport, Khatri's interest piqued at a very early age, even featuring in local tournaments at age 15. Being a part of Pro Kabaddi League had always been on his bucket list and this bucket was finally ticked when he was picked up by Puneri Paltan as an injury replacement during Season 9. While the side missed to lift the cup by a whisker, losing to Jaipur Pink Panthers in the final, they eventually got their hands on the coveted trophy in the very next edition. The Paltan and Khatri are now gearing up for Season 12 and want to replicate the kind of performance they had unleashed in Season 10. 'We are very confident and ready for the upcoming season. We want to repeat the way we played in Season 10. We will give our 100%. The raiding department has got some more strength with the addition of Sachin (Tanwar) bhai. Aslam (Inamdar), Mohit (Goyat) and Pankaj (Mohite) were already there, so we are going to work hard," he said during the latest episode of the 'Rise of a Star' series. Khatri got into the team after one of the players was affected by COVID-19 during Season 9. It was a clash against the Bengaluru Bulls where he first got a chance to showcase his talent. 'During the encounter against Bengaluru Bulls in one of the matches (in Season 9), I got my first opportunity when the coach asked me to go in as a substitute. Obviously, I felt nervous but at the same time, it was a good feeling as I was living my dream. I did my first tackle against Bharat Hooda who was the best raider at that time. I got points for my team and felt good about it. We lost the game but the team was pretty happy with my performance," Khatri said. 'Then, the coach showed more trust in me and made me play in the semi-final and final matches of the season. I got a chance in the semis because Sombir was out due to fever. I didn't have any experience of playing in the playoffs but the coach gave me the confidence," he further added. The young defender considers himself fortunate to be part of a championship-winning team so early in his career. Reflecting on his journey, he said, 'When I came in Season 10, there was of course some pressure, but at the same time, everyone motivated me. They gave me a free hand and encouraged me to play my natural game. I feel lucky and very fortunate that I became a champion in just my second season" A key influence in his early days was Iranian star Mohammadreza Shadloui. 'I also shared a very good bond with Mohammadreza Shadloui. He treated me like a younger brother," he added. Khatri expressed heartfelt gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout the Pro Kabaddi League. 'The Pro Kabaddi League has truly changed my life. It's given me a platform, an identity, and the chance to grow as a player," he concluded. The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 25, 2025, 21:19 IST News sports 'We're Confident And Ready': Gaurav Khatri Eyes More Glory In PKL Season 12 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
17-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
'The Corner Defender Is The Pillar Of The Team:' Yogesh Dahiya On His Record-Breaking Bulls Move
Yogesh Dahiya, 23, became the most expensive Indian defender in PKL history, signed by Bengaluru Bulls for INR 1.125 crores. The television screen flickered with anticipation as three Pro Kabaddi League franchises locked horns in an intense bidding war. Sitting in his modest home, Yogesh Dahiya watched his fate unfold in real-time, his heart racing with each escalating bid. 'I was watching the player auction live on TV. I could see Bengaluru Bulls bidding, then Patna Pirates, then Bengal Warriorz. I was watching all this unfold," recalls the 23-year-old defender. He emerged as the most expensive Indian defender bought during a PKL Player Auction, after he was signed by Bengaluru Bulls for a staggering INR 1.125 crores. The auction room drama translated into a whirlwind of emotions for the young athlete. 'There was a little nervousness – what will happen? Who will take me? Which franchise will I join? But overall, it was very interesting and fun," he reflected. When the hammer finally fell in Bulls' favor, the celebration wasn't just confined to the franchise's war room. Back in his village, his family erupted in joy after it was confirmed that he is now the most expensive Indian defender in the history of the PKL Player Auction. 'My family was very happy. Mom and dad were so happy that their child had become so valuable. They felt proud that I had achieved this recognition," Dahiya shared. This wasn't always the story. The path from village fields to professional stardom began almost by accident in 2018. 'The seniors used to play in the village. Looking at them, I developed an interest in playing kabaddi. It helped me avoid school work, and I also enjoyed it," he admitted with characteristic honesty. Family support wasn't immediate. 'In the beginning, there wasn't much support. But after I started performing better, the family became interested. They started supporting me. On days when I didn't feel like going to practice, they would say 'get up, go to practice. What will you do at home?'" The transformation from skepticism to unwavering support mirrors Dahiya's own evolution as a player. The catalyst for his development came from an unexpected source – his uncle's son, who recognized raw talent where others saw just another village boy. 'He introduced me to the game. He made me start playing. He guided me constantly, gave me advice regularly, and worked very hard with me." This mentorship laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey. Dahiya's rise through the ranks hasn't been built on flashy moves or attention-grabbing antics. Instead, he's earned his reputation as a 'silent killer" – a defender who strikes with precision rather than spectacle. His philosophy is refreshingly simple yet profound: 'You have to play with patience. Don't be too aggressive, and don't make too many mistakes. Make your tackles at the right time. Play for your team. When there's a need to tackle, I tackle for my team. Don't play for yourself." The record-breaking contract brings with it enormous expectations, but Dahiya appears unfazed by the pressure. 'I feel very good being part of Bengaluru Bulls. I will play for them and represent them this season," he states with the quiet confidence that has become his trademark. His ambitions for the upcoming season are crystal clear, as he concluded by saying, 'I want to do my best for my team. And this year, I hope we can lift the cup – that's what I'm aiming for." It's a goal that reflects both personal ambition and collective responsibility – hallmarks of a player who understands that individual success means nothing without team triumph. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Former PKL Champion Akash Shinde ready to chase glory with Bengaluru Bulls
Bengaluru, (Karnataka) [India] July 4 (ANI): Growing up in the small town of Nashik, Akash Shinde had big dreams but no clear path to follow. No one from his district had ever made it to national-level kabaddi before him. But now, the Pro Kabaddi League season 10 champion, who was bought by Bengaluru Bulls for INR 53.10 lakh during the PKL 12 Player Auction, is ready to lead a young team towards glory, according to a release from PKL. 'No one in my family played kabaddi. It was more popular in my village, but no one from my district, Nashik, had played at the national level before. That made it a real challenge. Still, I trusted my process and kept working hard,' says Shinde, remembering those early days when success seemed far away. The journey wasn't easy. Every step forward meant figuring things out on his own. 'Step by step, I kept finding out what improvements should be made in the game and how to develop. I kept working on that and kept moving forward,' he explains. Now, looking at his new teammates at Bengaluru Bulls, Shinde sees the same hunger he once had, comparing it to another Bengaluru-based sports team that ended a long trophy drought -- the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 'I am feeling very good. It's a new and young team. The way RCB won with a young team, we will win the PKL too. There is a lot of excitement. The young boys have a clear mindset that they just have to prove themselves,' he added. The need to prove yourself - Shinde knows it well. He felt it during his heartbreaking loss with Puneri Paltan in Season 9, when they lost to Jaipur Pink Panthers by just 2-3 points. But that pain made the victory sweeter in PKL 10, while also captaining his team in the absence of the injured skipper, Aslam Inamdar. 'When I was in Puneri Paltan, we lost to Jaipur Pink Panthers by 2-3 points in season 9. We put in a lot of hard work in the next season and became the champions,' he recalls. 'So, obviously, those kinds of things provide you with experience and help you maintain composure during crunch situations.' That championship win changed everything. It proved that all the hard work was worth it. Now, as he watches his young Bulls teammates, Shinde sees that same determination in their eyes. And behind every successful player is a coach who believes in them. For Shinde, that's BC Ramesh, with whom he won the PKL back in the landmark 10th season. 'He is strict on the ground only. He treats all of us like his kids, like family members,' Shinde says warmly. Having someone who cares about you like family makes all the difference in a tough sport.' Shinde's success story means something bigger than personal glory. He opened doors for others from his region. 'We have some very good players in Maharashtra. The skill level is very high, and that's the reason why we get some of the finest players from the state. The competition is very tough,' he concluded with pride. (ANI)
India Today
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Legendary Pardeep Narwal retires after going unsold in Pro Kabaddi League auction
In an emotional revelation during a live interview, kabaddi legend Pardeep Narwal confirmed his retirement from professional play after going unsold in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 28-year-old, a three-time PKL champion and widely regarded as one of the greatest raiders in the league's history, was overlooked by all franchises during the two-day auction. Despite expectations that he would be picked on Day 2, especially by former teams like UP Yoddhas, Patna Pirates, or Bengaluru Bulls, no bids were on an Instagram Live session, Narwal said he wasn't initially upset but had expected at least one team to show interest. 'Honestly, I didn't feel much at that moment. I was like, 'Okay, maybe someone will definitely bid,'' he said. Narwal acknowledged that recent seasons had not lived up to his own high standards. 'When I played for Patna earlier, I used to score 200–300 points. Now even 111 or 122 doesn't feel enough. I want to score 15–16 points per match, not just 3–4,' he man known as the 'Dubki King' admitted that opposition defenders have now adapted to his signature move, and age has played a role in slowing him down. 'Defenders prepare specially for me. Everyone watches videos, and yes, skills decline a little with time,' he he still managed over 100 points last season for Bengaluru Bulls, Narwal has decided to step away from the playing mat — not with regret, but with gratitude. 'Kabaddi has given me everything. My family told me, 'You've got your name, your achievements — just be happy,'' he also confirmed that his focus now shifts to coaching. 'I'll stay connected to kabaddi. I'm interested in coaching — I already train kids in my village,' he said, firmly stating that fans should accept this as his retirement as a in PKL Season 2 with Bengaluru Bulls, Narwal became a household name with Patna Pirates, where he led the team to three consecutive titles and became the league's first player to surpass 1,000 raid points. His aggressive raiding style, combined with his iconic dubki move, redefined kabaddi for a generation of 1,801 raid points across 190 matches, Pardeep Narwal leaves behind a legacy few can match — not just in numbers, but in the curtain has fallen on his playing career, the next chapter for Pardeep Narwal — perhaps as a coach or mentor — is just beginning.
NDTV
01-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
PKL 12 Auction: 10 Crorepatis Highlight Day 1, Aanil Mohan Scripts History On Day 2
Another exciting PKL Player Auction for Season 12 concluded on Sunday after a weekend of intense bidding action as the 12 franchises built teams worthy of providing a healthy competition for the upcoming season. 10 crorepatis were the top highlight of Day 1, as two-time champion Mohammadreza Shadloui joined the Gujarat Giants for a whopping Rs 2.23 crores. With him in the 2 Crore group was Devank Dalal, the Best Raider in PKL 11. He was signed by Bengal Warriorz for Rs 2.205 crores, making him the fifth-most expensive player in the PKL Player Auction after Shadloui's bid on Saturday. The new Final Bid Match (FBM) rule was also seen in action across the two days, allowing teams to buy back their released players by matching the final auction bid price, for either one or two seasons. While five players were retained for two seasons, nine players were retained for one season. Category C was a golden opportunity for the all-rounders, with the likes of Nitin Rawal, Gurdeep and Dheeraj earning high bids. Nitin joined Jaipur Pink Panthers for a fee of Rs 50 lakhs, while Gurdeep was signed by Puneri Paltan for Rs 47.10 lakhs and Dheeraj will don the Bengaluru Bulls jersey after earning an impressive bid of Rs 40.20 lakhs. However, it was raider Akash Shinde who took the top bid in this category, moving to Bengaluru Bulls for Rs 53.10 lakhs. In what was one of the most surprising moves of the Player Auction, an exciting bidding war saw U Mumba secure the services of Aanil Mohan for an impressive Rs 78 lakhs – the highest-ever bid in Category D in PKL history. The all-rounder from Himachal Pradesh won the highest bid across both categories on Day 2, with Uday Parte getting the second-highest bid in Category D. He was signed by Jaipur Pink Panthers Rs 50.10 lakhs. Speaking about the Player Auction, Anupam Goswami, League Commissioner of Pro Kabaddi League said, 'It is very positive that the momentum of the PKL 12 Player Auction Day 1 has been maintained on Day 2. The teams have displayed strong interest in Categories C and D, especially through the Rs 78 lakh buy for PKL debutant Aanil Mohan, the highest ever for a Category D player in our League's history. Such fresh players often form the backbone of a team, and investing in their growth is key to building competitive squads for the long term. Of course, the emergence of 10 'Crorepati' players this season reflects a balanced market, where both established names and new talent are being valued appropriately. It sets the tone for another competitive season ahead.' Aanil Mohan, who was signed by U Mumba, shared his excitement at the end of the Player Auction, "It feels very exciting to finally be a part of the PKL and to see my hard work paying off. I am also thankful to U Mumba for their efforts in signing me for the upcoming season and hope to leave a mark. Mumba has nurtured a lot of Raiding stars in the past and I hope I can follow in their footsteps. Playing in this league is a dream come true and I will do my best to ensure I can repay the faith put in me." Listen to the latest songs, only on
