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United News of India
02-07-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
There is no pressure, it is my responsibility: Bengal Warriorz's Devank Dalal
Kolkata, July 1 (UNI) The Bengal Warriorz, owned by Capri Sports, have begun preparing for what is expected to be an exciting season of the Pro Kabaddi League. Season 12 of the PKL will see the Bengal Warriorz, who were the champions in Season 7, showcase new talent with fresh faces, and a renewed determination, in their quest for glory. The Bengal Warriorz made a statement at the PKL Player Auction with the acquisition of the very talented raider Devank Dalal. The young raider, who was bought for INR 2.205 crore, was the most expensive Indian player at the Auction. But that doesn't worry him at all. 'I am feeling very good that the Bengal Warriorz & Capri Sports has placed so much faith in me, at the Auction. I feel happy and nice about the fact that I got the top bid amongst the Indian players in the PKL Auction. Bengal Warriorz team is a new team and hence this season will be a fresh start. The Bengal Warriorz team will do everything to have a successful season,' said Devank Dalal. Season 11 was the big breakthrough year for the dynamic Devank Dalal, as he set the mat on fire with his fast and agile raiding. Devank ended the season with 301 points which included 18 Super 10sand was by far the most impressive raider during the course of the season. Earlier in the year, the young raider was crowned the 'Best Player' in the 71st Senior National Men's Kabaddi Championship. Looking towards the upcoming season, Devank believes there is no pressure. 'Last year, I was unsure how the season would play out. But eventually it worked out well. Now I know that I will play for sure, and there is a responsibility on my shoulders, but I am confident about doing well. I don't see this is as pressure. I see it as my responsibility towards my team, the Bengal Warriorz fans, and I enjoy fulfilling my responsibilities in my own way,' he added. When asked about the team's bonding in pre-season, since the auction, Devank said, 'The team is a healthy mix of youth and experience. We are constantly speaking with each other, the players, coaches and even the management. And it has been quite enjoyable so far, which is good for the team.' For Devank, this is a huge moment in his career. There was a time when a head injury almost brought his career to a screeching halt. However, the Army man, who had led his team to the final of the PKL last season, is grateful for the change of fortune in his life. 'I am grateful for where I am now and I feel very good. In Kabaddi, there will be tough times, but I never thought of walking away from the sport. I always felt, we should face the challenges and work hard in training, and not take too much pressure during the tough times. With God's blessings, I just continued to practice hard and I am glad it worked out,' the raider said. Before signing off, Devank had a message for the Bengal Warriorz fans, and the people of Bengal. 'I request the fans of Bengal Warriorz to keep supporting and cheering for us, and would like to request all the Kabaddi fans to watch us and support us. The fans support and love really motivates us as a team.' UNI RKM
United News of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
There is no Pressure, it is my responsibility towards the Team: Bengal Warriorz's Devank Dalal
Kolkata, July 1 (UNI) The Bengal Warriorz, owned by Capri Sports, have begun preparing for what is expected to be an exciting season of the Pro Kabaddi League. Season 12 of the PKL will see the Bengal Warriorz, who were the champions in Season 7, showcase new talent with fresh faces, and a renewed determination, in their quest for glory. The Bengal Warriorz made a statement at the PKL Player Auction with the acquisition of the very talented raider Devank Dalal. The young raider, who was bought for INR 2.205 crore, was the most expensive Indian player at the Auction. But that doesn't worry him at all. 'I am feeling very good that the Bengal Warriorz & Capri Sports has placed so much faith in me, at the Auction. I feel happy and nice about the fact that I got the top bid amongst the Indian players in the PKL Auction. Bengal Warriorz team is a new team and hence this season will be a fresh start. The Bengal Warriorz team will do everything to have a successful season,' said Devank. Season 11 was the big breakthrough year for the dynamic Devank, as he set the mat on fire with his fast and agile raiding. Devank ended the season with 301 points which included 18 Super 10sand was by far the most impressive raider during the course of the season. Earlier in the year, the young raider was crowned the 'Best Player' in the 71st Senior National Men's Kabaddi Championship. Looking towards the upcoming season, Devank believes there is no pressure. 'Last year, I was unsure how the season would play out. But eventually it worked out well. Now I know that I will play for sure, and there is a responsibility on my shoulders, but I am confident about doing well. I don't see this is as pressure. I see it as my responsibility towards my team, the Bengal Warriorz fans, and I enjoy fulfilling my responsibilities in my own way,' he added. When asked about the team's bonding in pre-season, since the auction, Devank said, 'The team is a healthy mix of youth and experience. We are constantly speaking with each other, the players, coaches and even the management. And it has been quite enjoyable so far, which is good for the team.' For Devank, this is a huge moment in his career. There was a time when a head injury almost brought his career to a screeching halt. However, the Army man, who had led his team to the final of the PKL last season, is grateful for the change of fortune in his life. 'I am grateful for where I am now and I feel very good. In Kabaddi, there will be tough times, but I never thought of walking away from the sport. I always felt, we should face the challenges and work hard in training, and not take too much pressure during the tough times. With God's blessings, I just continued to practice hard and I am glad it worked out,' the raider said. Before signing off, Devank had a message for the Bengal Warriorz fans, and the people of Bengal. 'I request the fans of Bengal Warriorz to keep supporting and cheering for us, and would like to request all the Kabaddi fans to watch us and support us. The fans support and love really motivates us as a team,' he added. UNI BM
NDTV
01-07-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
"There Is No Pressure": Bengal Warriorz's Devank Dalal
The Bengal Warriorz have begun preparing for what is expected to be an exciting season of the Pro Kabaddi League. Season 12 of the PKL will see the Bengal Warriorz, who were the champions in season 7, showcase new talent with fresh faces and a renewed determination in their quest for glory. The Bengal Warriorz made a statement at the PKL Player Auction with the acquisition of the very talented raider Devank Dalal. The young raider, who was bought for over Rs 2 crore, was the most expensive Indian player at the Auction. But that doesn't worry him at all. "I am feeling very good that the Bengal Warriorz and Capri Sports has placed so much faith in me, at the Auction. I feel happy and nice about the fact that I got the top bid amongst the Indian players in the PKL Auction. Bengal Warriorz team is a new team and hence this season will be a fresh start. The Bengal Warriorz team will do everything to have a successful season," said Devank Dalal. Season 11 was the big breakthrough year for the dynamic Devank Dalal, as he set the mat on fire with his fast and agile raiding. Devank ended the season with 301 points which included 18 Super 10s and was by far the most impressive raider during the season. Earlier in the year, the young raider was crowned the 'Best Player' in the 71st Senior National Men's Kabaddi Championship. Looking ahead towards the PKL Season 12, Devank believes there is no pressure. "Last year, I was unsure how the season would play out. But eventually it worked out well. Now I know that I will play for sure, and there is a responsibility on my shoulders, but I am confident about doing well. I don't see this is as pressure. I see it as my responsibility towards my team, the Bengal Warriorz fans, and I enjoy fulfilling my responsibilities in my own way," he added. When asked about the team's bonding in pre-season, since the auction, Devank said, "The team is a healthy mix of youth and experience. We are constantly speaking with each other the players, coaches and even the management. And it has been quite enjoyable so far, which is good for the team." For Devank, this is a huge moment in his career. There was a time when a head injury almost brought his career to a screeching halt. However, the Army man, who had led his team to the final of the PKL last season, is grateful for the change of fortune in his life. "I am grateful for where I am now and I feel very good. In Kabaddi, there will be tough times, but I never thought of walking away from the sport. I always felt, we should face the challenges and work hard in training, and not take too much pressure during the tough times. With God's blessings, I just continued to practice hard and I am glad it worked out," the raider said. Before signing off, Devank had a message for the Bengal Warriorz fans, and the people of Bengal. "I request the fans of Bengal Warriorz to keep supporting and cheering for us, and would like to request all the Kabaddi fans to watch us and support us. The fans support and love really motivates us as a team."
India Gazette
15-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
PKL 12 Player Auction: Game-changing picks that you can't miss
New Delhi [India], June 15 (ANI): The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 Player Auction concluded on June 1, delivering a blockbuster weekend of unprecedented spending and historic milestones that completely reshaped the landscape of professional kabaddi. With a total expenditure of INR 37.90 crores across two days and 121 players acquired, the auction witnessed the highest number of crorepatis in PKL history and introduced game-changing retention strategies, as per the PKL press release. A decade of extraordinary growth: The PKL 12 auction showcased the league's remarkable evolution since its inception. From Season 1's modest team salary purse of Rs. 60 lakhs and a highest individual purchase of Rs. 12.8 lakhs, the league has transformed into a premium sporting property. The auction saw 10 players cross the Rs. 1 crore mark for the first time ever -- a testament to kabaddi's financial growth and the price that elite talent now commands. The elite 2-crore club: Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh made history by becoming the first player to command over Rs. 2 crores in three consecutive seasons. The Iranian defender and two-time PKL champion was snapped up by Gujarat Giants for a whopping Rs. 2.23 crores in the very first bid of the auction, setting the tone for an exciting weekend. Joining him in the exclusive 2-crore club was Devank Dalal, PKL 11's Best Raider, who was acquired by Bengal Warriorz for Rs 2.25 crores. Game-Changing Final Bid Match (FBM) Rule: The introduction of the new Final Bid Match (FBM) rule proved to be a masterstroke, allowing teams to retain their released players by matching the final auction bid price for either one or two seasons. This rule provides franchises with greater control over squad continuity. Five players were secured for two seasons using the FBM rule: Ashu Malik - Retained by Dabang Delhi Singh - Retained by Patna PiratesMd. Amaan - Retained by Puneri PaltanHardeep - Retained by Haryana SteelersGhanshyam Roka Magar - Retained by Haryana Steelers Additionally, nine players were retained for single seasons, demonstrating the rule's popularity among franchise management. Category A:Category A witnessed five players crossing the INR 1 crore mark, with international talent commanding premium prices. Notably, Yogesh Dahiya's acquisition made him the most expensive Indian defender in PKL history. Top 5 Category A Purchases: Mohammadreza Shadloui (Iran) - Gujarat Giants - Rs. 2.23 croresDevank Dalal (India) - Bengal Warriorz - Rs. 2.20 croresAshu Malik (India) - Dabang Delhi K.C. - Rs. 1.90 croresArjun Deshwal (India) - Tamil Thalaivas - Rs. 1.40 croresYogesh Dahiya (India) - Bengaluru Bulls - Rs. 1.12 crores Category B:Category B continued the big-money trend with five more crorepatis: Top 5 Category B Purchases: Ankit Jaglan (India) - Patna Pirates - Rs. 1.57 crores (via FBM)Naveen Kumar (India) - Haryana Steelers - Rs. 1.20 croresGuman Singh (India) - UP Yoddhas - Rs. 1.73 croresSachin Tanwar (India) - Puneri Paltan - Rs. 1.58 croresNitin Kumar (India) - Jaipur Pink Panthers - Rs. 1.2 crores Category C Category C emerged as the battleground for versatile players, with all-rounders commanding impressive fees: Top Category C Signings: Akash Santosh Shinde - Bengaluru Bulls - Rs. 53.10 lakhsNitin Rawal - Jaipur Pink Panthers - Rs. 50 lakhsSandeep Kumar - U Mumba - Rs. 49 lakhsGurdeep - Puneri Paltan - Rs. 47.10 lakhsDheeraj - Bengaluru Bulls - Rs. 40.20 lakhs Category D: The biggest surprise came in Category D, where Aanil Mohan from Himachal Pradesh commanded the highest-ever bid in Category D history at INR 78 lakhs from U Mumba. This unprecedented investment in an uncapped player demonstrates franchises' strategic shift toward investing in emerging talent and long-term potential over proven track records alone. Top Category D Purchases: Aanil Mohan - U Mumba - Rs. 78 Parte - Jaipur Pink Panthers - Rs. 50.10 Bitake - Bengaluru Bulls - Rs. 9.10 lakhs. The blockbuster PKL 12 Player Auction has set the stage for what promises to be the most competitive season yet. With record investments, strategic retention policies through the innovative FBM rule, and breakthrough signings like Aanil Mohan, franchises have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to building championship-calibre squads. The introduction of the FBM rule has already shown its significant impact on squad continuity, while the willingness to invest heavily in unproven talent reflects the long-term vision driving league development. As teams prepare for the upcoming Season 12, the auction's outcomes indicate a league that continues to evolve dramatically, both in terms of commercial value and competitive intensity. (ANI)
NDTV
01-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Record-Breaking Mohammadreza Shadloui Shines At PKL 12 Player Auction
Mohammadreza Shadloui created history at the outset after the Season 11's Most Valuable Player was snapped up for INR 2.23 Crores in the very first bid of the evening by Gujarat Giants. The two-time PKL champion is the first player to go for more than INR 2 Crore three times in PKL history. His purchase began a plethora of top signings as Day 1 of the Player Auction saw 10 players crossing the INR 1 Crore mark, setting a new record for PKL. Devank Dalal, who was the Best Raider in PKL 11, joined Shadloui in the 2 Crore category after he was eventually signed by Bengal Warriorz for INR 2.205 Crores, making him the fifth-most expensive player ever in PKL. A highlight of the Player Auction was the use of the new Final Bid Match (FBM) rule which allows teams to buy back their released players by matching the final auction bid price, for either one or two seasons. This FBM rule was used by Dabang Delhi K.C. to bring their star raider Ashu Malik back to the team for INR 1.90 Crores for the next two seasons. Arjun Deshwal, who was signed by Tamil Thalaivas for INR 1.405 Crores, and Yogesh Dahiya, who will join Bengaluru Bulls after being signed for INR 1.125 Crores, were the other top bids from Category A. After Category A saw 5 players bought for more than INR 1 Crore, Category B followed in the same vein. Ankit Jaglan was bought back by Patna Pirates for INR 1.573 Crore with the raise of an FBM card for one season, while Season 8 winner Naveen Kumar was the second-most expensive player in this Category, paid by Haryana Steelers for a price of INR 1.20 Crores. Guman Singh found himself among the Crorepati list yet again, this time being signed by UP Yoddhas for INR 1.073 Crores. Sachin Tanwar and Nitin Kumar rounded out the 10 Crorepatis of the PKL 12 Player Auction, bagging INR 1.058 Crores (Puneri Paltan) and INR 1.002 Crores (Jaipur Pink Panthers) respectively. "Day 1 of the PKL Season 12 Player Auction was a landmark moment, with a record-breaking 10 players crossing the Rs 1 crore mark across Categories A and B - reflecting the continued growth in player value and the league's evolution over the past decade. The introduction of the two-season Final Bid Match (FBM) rule also had an impact, with two teams choosing to retain players for a longer duration - highlighting our commitment to building continuity within squads. We now look forward to Day 2, as the franchisees build their squads for the upcoming season," said Mr. Anupam Goswami, Business Head, Mashal Sports & League Commissioner, Pro Kabaddi League. Listen to the latest songs, only on
