Latest news with #PKL
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
PKL: Aslam hopes for triumphant return after knee surgery
New Delhi: Aslam Inamdar is no stranger to knee troubles. So frequent are the injuries on his right knee that he has learnt to wryly joke about them. 'I ran out of luck on the sixth instance,' he said, referring to his most recent mishap. Aslam Inamdar's 2024 season was cut off by a knee injury. (PKL) The 25-year-old, who plays for Puneri Paltan in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), tore his meniscus last November while attempting a raid against Telugu Titans and was instantly ruled out of the season. Aslam's absence well and truly hamstrung Paltan who slipped from their pole position to finish eighth, winning only nine of their 22 matches. For Aslam, who had captained Paltan to the title in the previous year (2023) and was also named the edition's MVP, it was a double blow. 'Being injured was bad enough but to watch the team's slide and not being able to help them on the mat really hurt,' he said. 'I followed our matches on TV while recuperating and even spoke to some players, but there's only so much you can do from the sidelines. I could feel the team's morale go down after each reversal.' After being operated on by Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala in Mumbai, Aslam went through an extended rehabilitation programme and is now primed for a comeback when the 12th edition of the league rolls out on August 29. 'The tear was so bad that I needed about 40 stitches on my knee. But all that is behind me now. I am feeling strong and agile,' he said from Thane where Paltan are currently having a month-long preparatory camp that will end on July 20. The squad will assemble again on August 3 for another camp. 'The biggest challenge was to stay mentally strong; you do not have a choice,' he added. It is natural for athletes to develop a mental block after surgery. Many also struggle to maintain their weight, making comeback trickier. None of those issues exist for Aslam, or so he claims. 'I feel no fear, no pain. There are no mental barriers. My weight is around 74 kgs which is what it used to be during PKL. I have put on some muscle as well. In fact, my coach and physio have to literally push me out of the mat,' he added. While Dr Pardiwala recommended a three-month rehab, Aslam extended it by a couple of more months to gradually build his strength and endurance. 'I wanted to give my mind and body enough time. Perhaps that's why I don't feel that mental block. I skipped the National Games and just worked hard in the gym,' Aslam, who scoured Patrick Mouratoglou's Champion Mindset and rewatched Bollywood hit Dangal for motivation during his time away from sport, added.
News18
6 days ago
- 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.
NDTV
10-07-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 To Kickstart From August 29
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) announced on Wednesday that Season 12 of the competition will commence on Friday, August 29. Season 12 will see reigning champions Haryana Steelers return to defend their maiden title, following their spectacular victory in Season 11. The competitive balance of the league continues to showcase the unpredictability that has made PKL one of India's most exciting sporting spectacles. With all twelve franchises strengthening their squads through the recently concluded auction, the upcoming season promises to deliver unprecedented levels of competition and entertainment. The venues and other details for Season 12 will be announced soon. Commenting on the commencement of season 12, Anupam Goswami, Business Head - Mashal & League Commissioner - Pro Kabaddi, stated as quoted by PKL press release, "We are thrilled to unveil the commencement date for PKL Season 12. Following a record-breaking Player Auction, which saw 10 players cross the INR 1 crore mark, we have set a foundation for what promises to be our most competitive season yet. We look forward to bringing fans another thrilling chapter of kabaddi action." The highly anticipated Pro Kabaddi League season 12 Player Auction took place in Mumbai on May 31 and June 1, where a record-breaking 10 players secured contracts exceeding Rs. 1 crore, setting a new benchmark for the competition. Under the aegis and sanction from the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), Mashal Sports and JioStar have built PKL into one of India's most successful sports leagues. The Pro Kabaddi League has transformed India's indigenous sport of Kabaddi and its athletes on the national and global stage. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Pro Kabaddi League announces Season 12 dates
This year Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 will begin from August 29. This was announced on Wednesday by Mashal Sports, the organisers of the Pro Kabaddi League. Following the success of eleven thrilling seasons, PKL is set to enter an exciting new chapter. The venues and other details for Season 12 will be announced later. According to a PKL statement, "Season 12 will witness reigning champions Haryana Steelers return to defend their maiden title after their spectacular victory in Season 11. The competitive balance of the league continues to showcase the unpredictability that has made PKL one of India's most exciting sporting spectacles." The statement says that with all twelve franchises strengthening their squads through the recently concluded auction, the upcoming season promises to deliver unprecedented levels of competition and entertainment. Commenting on the commencement of Season 12, Anupam Goswami, business head of Mashal & League Commissioner – Pro Kabaddi, stated, 'We are thrilled to unveil the commencement date for PKL Season 12. Following a record-breaking Player Auction, which saw 10 players cross the INR 1 crore mark, we have set a foundation for what promises to be our most competitive season yet. We look forward to bringing fans another thrilling chapter of kabaddi action.' The highly anticipated Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 Player Auction took place in Mumbai on May 31 and June 1, where a record-breaking 10 players secured contracts exceeding INR 1 crore, setting a new benchmark for the competition.
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 to kickstart from August 29
ANI 09 Jul 2025, 18:06 GMT+10 Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 9 (ANI): The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) announced on Wednesday that Season 12 of the competition will commence on Friday, August 29. Season 12 will see reigning champions Haryana Steelers return to defend their maiden title, following their spectacular victory in Season 11. The competitive balance of the league continues to showcase the unpredictability that has made PKL one of India's most exciting sporting spectacles. With all twelve franchises strengthening their squads through the recently concluded auction, the upcoming season promises to deliver unprecedented levels of competition and entertainment. The venues and other details for Season 12 will be announced soon. Commenting on the commencement of season 12, Anupam Goswami, Business Head - Mashal & League Commissioner - Pro Kabaddi, stated as quoted by PKL press release, 'We are thrilled to unveil the commencement date for PKL Season 12. Following a record-breaking Player Auction, which saw 10 players cross the INR 1 crore mark, we have set a foundation for what promises to be our most competitive season yet. We look forward to bringing fans another thrilling chapter of kabaddi action.' The highly anticipated Pro Kabaddi League season 12 Player Auction took place in Mumbai on May 31 and June 1, where a record-breaking 10 players secured contracts exceeding Rs. 1 crore, setting a new benchmark for the competition. Under the aegis and sanction from the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), Mashal Sports and JioStar have built PKL into one of India's most successful sports leagues. The Pro Kabaddi League has transformed India's indigenous sport of Kabaddi and its athletes on the national and global stage. (ANI)
