Latest news with #PKLPlayerAuction
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.
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."
NDTV
22-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
"Want To Become A Champion Again": Naveen Kumar Joins Haryana Steelers For PKL 12
In one of the most exciting moves during the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 12 Player Auction, legendary raider Naveen Kumar has signed with defending champions Haryana Steelers for Rs 1.20 Crores, marking his much-anticipated return to his home state and setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season. The PKL Season 8 champion, who amassed 1102 Raid Points for Dabang Delhi K.C. during his stellar six-season tenure, entered the PKL Player Auction for the very first time since making his debut. He expressed his joy at wearing the Steelers jersey. "I always thought I should play for Haryana Steelers, and finally I have become part of this team," Kumar said following the auction, as quoted by the PKL press release. "The entire team and management have placed their trust in me, and I want to justify that faith. This is a champion team, and I want to become a champion again," he added. Kumar's acquisition makes him one of the 10 crorepatis from the PKL 12 auction, underlining his status as one of the most valuable players in the league. With his experience in the PKL as well as with the Services kabaddi team, he brings unparalleled experience to a squad already brimming with young talent like Vinay, Shivam Patare, and Vishal Tate. Speaking about joining forces with the defending champions, Kumar emphasised the team's championship mentality. "We are the defending champions, and all players share the same winning mentality. We play as a cohesive unit. We have the confidence and belief that we will perform even better than last season and give our absolute best for the team," he asserted. The Naveen Express is particularly excited about working under head coach Manpreet Singh, whose passionate coaching style has become legendary in PKL circles. "Manpreet sir was an excellent player and is now an outstanding coach - we've all heard about his reputation and seen his work. He's passionate and aggressive in his approach because he constantly motivates his players. He brings tremendous energy, and his methods are exceptional. I'm really excited to play under his guidance," Kumar noted. The signing represents more than just a strategic acquisition for the Steelers - it's a homecoming for Kumar, who is eager to contribute to his home state's continued success. "Playing for my home state means I need to give even more than my best," he declared with determination. "This season is going to be incredible. It's going to be absolutely fantastic!" Kumar concluded. As PKL Season 12 approaches, the addition of Naveen Kumar to an already formidable Haryana Steelers lineup has sent excitement levels soaring among fans. With the team now complete, the defending champions appear well-positioned to make another serious title run.
