Latest news with #PuneriPaltan
Hans India
8 minutes ago
- Sport
- Hans India
After seven years, Pro Kabaddi League-12 returns to Vizag
Visakhapatnam: Telugu Titans to face Tamil Thalaivas in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12. After a seven-year-long hiatus, the PKL's return to Vizag marks an exciting homecoming. Starting from August 29, the 2025 campaign will see a dozen teams vying with one another in Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai and Delhi. The tournament opens in Vizag at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium with Telugu Titans facing Tamil Thalaivas and Bengaluru Bulls locking horns with Puneri Paltan in the second part of the day scheduled on August 29. On August 30, the Telugu Titans will face UP Yoddhas for the first match of the evening, before U Mumba will vie against the Gujarat Giants. Meanwhile, Sunday will witness action between Tamil Thalaivas and U Mumba, as the reigning champions Haryana Steelers start their title defence against the Bengal Warriorz as part of the kabaddi action. After Vizag, the kabaddi action shifts to Jaipur Indoor Hall, SMS Stadium from September 12, featuring exciting clashes between two-time champions Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls, followed by Tamil Thalaivas taking on Bengal Warriorz. Earlier, Andhra Pradesh witnessed the thrills of PKL action during the sixth season in 2018. The Pink City holds a special place in PKL folklore, having been the proud host of the historic 1000th PKL match during the landmark Season 10 in 2023-24. The third leg of the PKL kicks off at Chennai's SDAT Multipurpose Indoor Stadium on September 29. UP Yoddhas will face Gujarat Giants, while Dabang Delhi K.C. will face the Haryana Steelers. The last leg of season 12 will be held at Delhi's Thyagaraj Sports Complex from October 13, featuring the Patna Pirates, who will battle Haryana Steelers, while U Mumba will face UP Yoddhas. The season's schedule will be revealed on a later about the ensuing season, Anupam Goswami, Business head – Mashal and League Commissioner - Pro Kabaddi, said, 'Season 12 marks an exciting new chapter in the growth of the Pro Kabaddi League. With a multi-city format, we are bringing top-tier kabaddi action to fans across the country, deepening our connection with core geographies. We're particularly thrilled to return to Visakhapatnam, reinforcing our commitment to taking the league closer to its passionate fan base.'
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Business Standard
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Haryana, Pune and Tamil favourites to win PKL 2025: Rishank Devadiga
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 is set to commence in less than a month's time from August 29, and as the season approaches, coaches and experts have said this could be the most competitive edition yet. With a fresh schedule, revamped squads and exciting rivalries on the cards, the buzz around PKL 2025 is stronger than ever. At the pre-season media day on JioStar, former India international Rishank Devadiga said the tournament's opening matches, including a southern derby, would set the tone for a high-octane season. He named three teams as early title contenders—Haryana Steelers, Puneri Paltan and Tamil Thalaivas—citing their balance, consistency and strategic team-building. Coaches BC Ramesh, Manpreet Singh and Ajay Thakur also spoke about their squads, tactical focus and the importance of unity and youth development this season. PKL's growth fuels player ambitions According to Devadiga, PKL has transformed the landscape of Indian kabaddi by offering players both visibility and financial stability. He noted that coaches like BC Ramesh and Manpreet Singh are placing greater faith in younger talent, which has made the game faster and more intense. He highlighted the rise of players like Devank Dalal, who earned praise last season and will be one to watch again. Devadiga emphasised that the platform is now not just a career path but a life-changing opportunity for many players from modest backgrounds. Top teams to watch: Haryana, Pune and Tamil While predicting a tightly contested league, Devadiga singled out Haryana Steelers for their defensive consistency, Puneri Paltan for their well-rounded squad and Tamil Thalaivas for looking tactically solid ahead of the opener. He said last season was marked by defensive brilliance—especially from players like Mohammadreza Shadloui—but this year, he expects raiders like Devank and Ashu Malik to take centre stage. 'Raiders are ready to take back the spotlight,' he said confidently. BC Ramesh eyes redemption with Bengaluru Bulls Returning to Bengaluru Bulls as head coach, BC Ramesh said this move was deeply personal. After guiding Puneri Paltan to the finals in Seasons IX and X, he was eager to return to his hometown team. He added that defence would be the foundation of their strategy and said players across key positions are already showing strong signs. Young names like Akash Shinde, Aashish Malik and Ganesh were picked through the NYP trials, and Ramesh is banking on their energy to bolster the squad. Balanced Steelers bank on continuity Haryana Steelers head coach Manpreet Singh said the team had been carefully assembled during the auction with balance in mind. With experienced defenders like Jaideep and Rahul and the addition of raider Naveen, he believes the side has all the ingredients for another strong run. He noted the impact of young defenders as well and aims to replicate last season's dominant form, where they won 18 out of 22 matches. Ajay Thakur focused on unity at Pune Newly appointed Puneri Paltan coach Ajay Thakur acknowledged the challenge of handling a team filled with individually skilled players. His aim, he said, is to build unity and mutual trust within the squad. Thakur plans to take it one step at a time—first making it to the top six before eyeing the playoffs and final. According to him, consistent performance and communication on the mat will define Pune's campaign.
Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
PKL Season 12 schedule announced: Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, Delhi return as Pro Kabaddi League venues
Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) will return for its 12th season – starting on August 29 – with 12 teams battling for ultimate glory across cities like Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai and Delhi. The tournament opens with a blockbuster weekend in Vizag at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, on Friday, with Telugu Titans facing Tamil Thalaivas and Bengaluru Bulls locking horns with Puneri Paltan in the second clash of the day. On Saturday, August 30, the home side Telugu Titans will once again take the mat, this time against UP Yoddhas for the first match of the evening, before U Mumba take on the Gujarat Giants. Meanwhile, Super Sunday will witness Tamil Thalaivas and U Mumba battle it out, as the reigning champions Haryana Steelers start their title defence against the Bengal Warriorz, closing out an exciting opening three days of kabaddi action. 'In PKL, the thrill begins from the first match. Every team treats the opener like a final,' said JioStar PKL expert Rishank Devadiga. The PKL's return to Vizag marks an exciting homecoming for the coastal city after a seven-year hiatus. The Andhra Pradesh city last witnessed the thrills of PKL action during the sixth season in 2018 Th city also hosted PKL games in seasons 1 and 3. The action will then shift to Jaipur's Indoor Hall, SMS Stadium from Friday, September 12, featuring exciting clashes between two-time champions Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls, followed by Tamil Thalaivas taking on Bengal Warriorz. The third leg kicks off at Chennai's SDAT Multipurpose Indoor Stadium on September 29. UP Yoddhas will face Gujarat Giants, while Dabang Delhi K.C. will face Haryana Steelers in a clash that will see Naveen Kumar face off against his former side. The league stage of Season 12 will reach its crescendo at Delhi's Thyagaraj Sports Complex from October 13, featuring the Patna Pirates, who will battle Haryana Steelers, while U Mumba face off against UP Yoddhas. In an exciting return, the league rounds will culminate with triple headers, ensuring the fans get nonstop kabaddi action heading into the playoff stage of the competition. The playoffs schedule will be revealed on a later date.
Hans India
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Telugu Titans face Tamil Thalaivas in PKL 12 opener; Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai & Delhi return as venues
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is set to return for its 12th season, starting on August 29 with a blockbuster weekend in Vizag at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium with Telugu Titans facing Tamil Thalaivas and Bengaluru Bulls locking horns with Puneri Paltan in the second clash of the day. The 2025 campaign will see the 12 teams battle for ultimate glory across Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai and Delhi. On August 30, the home side Telugu Titans will once again take the mat, this time against UP Yoddhas for the first match of the evening, before U Mumba takes on the Gujarat Giants. Meanwhile, Super Sunday will witness Tamil Thalaivas and U Mumba battle it out, as the reigning champions Haryana Steelers start their title defence against the Bengal Warriorz, closing out an exciting opening three days of kabaddi action. The PKL's return to Vizag marks an exciting homecoming for the coastal city after a seven-year hiatus. This Andhra Pradesh stronghold last witnessed the thrills of PKL action during the sixth season in 2018, adding another chapter to its rich legacy of hosting the league since seasons 1 and 3. The action then shifts to Jaipur's Indoor Hall, SMS Stadium from September 12, featuring exciting clashes between two-time champions Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls, followed by Tamil Thalaivas taking on Bengal Warriorz. The Pink City holds a special place in PKL folklore, having been the proud host of the historic 1000th PKL match during the landmark Season 10 in 2023-24. The third leg kicks off at Chennai's SDAT Multipurpose Indoor Stadium on September 29. UP Yoddhas will face Gujarat Giants, while Dabang Delhi K.C. will face Haryana Steelers in a clash that will see Naveen Kumar face off against his former side. The league stage of Season 12 will reach its crescendo at Delhi's Thyagaraj Sports Complex from October 13, featuring the Patna Pirates, who will battle Haryana Steelers, while U Mumba face off against UP Yoddhas. In an exciting return, the league rounds will culminate with triple headers, ensuring the fans get nonstop kabaddi action heading into the playoff stage of the competition. The playoffs schedule will be revealed on a later date. Speaking about the upcoming season, Anupam Goswami, Business Head – Mashal & League Commissioner - Pro Kabaddi, said, "With a multi-city format, we are bringing top-tier kabaddi action to fans across the country, and also deepening our connection with core geographies. We're particularly thrilled to return to Visakhapatnam, reinforcing our commitment to taking the league closer to its passionate fan base." 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.
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
'Fully Prepared' Aslam Inamdar Aims To Make Memorable Comeback After Knee Injury
25-year-old Aslam Inamdar could only manage to make seven appearances for Puneri Paltan in PKL 2024 due to a knee injury. After missing the majority of the Pro Kabaddi League season in 2024 due to a knee injury, Aslam Inamdar is aiming to make a big comeback in the PKL this year for the Puneri Paltans and help them become champions once again. Inamdar suffered a meniscus tear in his knee last year, and the injury was so serious that he required surgical intervention. His injury took a toll on his team's performance as well, and Puneri Paltan could only manage to finish 8th in the league table. Inamdar, who has been associated with the Pune-based team since the start of his PKL career, made only seven appearances for Puneri Paltan in 2024, and in that he earned a total of 38 points (31 in raid and 7 in defence). However, despite his long-term absence from the mat, Puneri Paltan not just retained him ahead of the new season, which is starting on August 29, 2025, but also appointed him as the captain of the team. The 25-year-old kabaddi player, during an interview with News 18, declared that he is fully fit to make a comeback this year and is sure about living up to the expectations. 'I am fully prepared for season 12. Because I started everything with a strong mindset after my injury. So, I am just waiting for season 12 to start. I have worked well with my team. I have taken care of my health, my body, my diet, and my workout, and that was important for me because I want to change the mindset in Kabaddi and prove that even after an injury a player can once again perform like the way he used to do before his injury," Aslam said. 'So, I am prepared for that. And I just want to show that in season 12, Aslam will come back in the same way," he added. According to Aslam, whenever any sportsperson suffers an injury, he starts doubting himself and goes into a negative zone, which one should not do, and instead staying positive will help more. 'I think it is a little challenging for every sportsperson. Because he thinks that if he has an injury, then what will happen in life? Will he recover? Will he be able to make a comeback? Players think like that. They go into a negative zone, but when you suffer injury, your mindset should be strong, and you should have belief in yourself that you can do everything." 'And this is easy for me because I think when there is a bad fall in your life, it is not challenging for you. You have to accept that challenge. And you have to take care of it. So, I think your mentality should be strong. You have to stay positive and think that I can do something, and I will do it. Until you stay positive, your recovery time will be very long. So, the more positive you stay, the stronger your mindset will be," he added. Despite his injury, Aslam was retained by Puneri Paltan for PKL 2025, and when asked about the conversation with the team owners and coaches about retention and during his recovery phase as well, Aslam said that Pune management and support staff take care of him like a family member. 'It (the recovery period) was very good. Because my team owner was with me like a family member. He was with me in every situation and said, Do whatever you want; have whatever facilities you need. We are with you. So, since the injury, he has been with me, and I have been with the team for 4 years. Our owner, Jai Sir, has supported me a lot. Our coach is Ashok Sir. So, with Ashok sir, when my recovery period was going on, I used to talk to him every day. Because we have to make our mentality strong, and our coach can give us so many positive things. So, I used to talk to him every day. I used to talk a lot about Kabaddi. I used to talk a lot about fitness to my trainers. 'It took me some time to get back to the mat. But I was feeling like I was on the mat. And I was doing my daily work. And I have to do this. Because hard work jab karega Aslam toh prepare ho jayega aage ki cheej ke liye. So, my coach supported me a lot. And my management supported me a lot. 'I started practice slowly, and after seven days, when I did my movement of raids, my coach came to me, and he put his hand on my back and said, 'I was afraid that I might lose Aslam's movement. But tu aaj us pace se aaya hai. So he put his hand on my back and said, once again, you will be the captain of this team. So, I was happy. It was a positive thing. It motivated me a lot. That I will be able to do something. So, I am still working on it." Puneri Paltan last won the PKL title in 2023, and this season, according to Aslam, Puneri Paltan will show a different level of kabaddi after the addition of some new faces. 'I think every season, Puneri Paltan has shown a different level of Kabaddi. And this season, a lot of new players have joined our team. And I think in this season, you will get to see some new faces in the team as well. And they will be at a different level. Because we have worked on them properly for the last 2 years. And we have prepared them for Pro Kabaddi. I think they have also worked hard. Our new NYP (New Young Player) players are very good. And they will do well this season. 'All the other players have been with us for the last 3-4 years. So, the team will do well. And every player is prepared to do well this season. So, I think there is nothing much different in the team. So, that's it. I think all the players will do well this season. And I am fully prepared for this season. I won't be able to say what I can do and what I can't do. Because I have never said this about myself. So, just keep waiting on the mat. And when I come on the mat, you will know the result." When asked about the possible challengers for the title this year, Aslam didn't pick anyone as a favourite and said all teams have managed to assemble a strong squad. 'I think all the 12 teams have been very good in season 12. So, all the teams are good. Kabaddi is a game with a lot of situations. Our game is very fast. Kabaddi is very fast now. So, we can't say which team is good, which team is bad, or which side is strong. But all the teams are good. I think in Tamil Thalaivas, three raiders—Pawan, Arjun, and Narendra—are good. Their defence is also young." 'Like my Puneri Paltan team. Obviously, my Puneri Paltan team has been doing well for 4 seasons. My team also has very good raiders. Mohit, Pankaj, Aditya, and Abhishek—he is a new guy. He will also do well. So, every team is good. We can't say because it was a very difficult auction; every team is stable. So, every team is good. We can't say which side is strong," he added. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : pkl pro kabaddi league Puneri Paltan view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 29, 2025, 19:34 IST News sports 'Fully Prepared' Aslam Inamdar Aims To Make Memorable Comeback After Knee Injury 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.
