Puneri Paltan captain Aslam Inamdar feels kabbadi has become a very fast paced game and so teams with the best young players will have an edge in the upcoming season of the Pro Kabbadi league.
In an exclusive interview with UNI, the India international shared his thoughts on the upcoming season.
“Since last three years we are seeing young players excel, all franchises are laying their trust on youngsters. Youngsters have an edge as the game has become fast paced, that is the key now,” Inamdar said.
The season 12 of the Pro Kabbadi league will start from October 20.
The 25 year old said Puneri Paltan’s emphasis on youth development and reliance on home grown talent have stood them in good stead.
“This would be my sixth season with Puneri Paltan. I joined them in 2019 with the Yuva Paltan. All this investment in the youth academy paid dividends for Puneri Paltan as season 10 was primarily won through the homegrown talent,” he said.
Inamdar led Puneri Paltan from the front as they won their maiden title in Season 10 in 2023. In season 11, however, he could only play seven matches before a knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the season. Such was the blow suffered by Puneri Paltan that they finished eighth on the points table.
Inamdar assured that he is fully fit and raring to go. “I had a knee surgery, now I am fully recovered and am back on the mats, my rehabilitation and strength and conditioning went well. I am fully ready for the season, and waiting for it to start.”
Imandar, who won gold for India at the Haungzhou Asian games, said playing for India involves a different level of pressure compared to playing the league.
“Playing for India involves a different sort of pressure as you are expected to win nothing short of gold every time, and you have the expectations of 140 million people,” he said.
Inamdar spoke about his struggles, having come from a humble background.
“My elder brother used to play. In my village, Kabaddi is very popular. I suffered immense financial problems at home while growing up. During my 10th board exam we did not even have money to afford examination fees. My mother used to work as a household help for Rs 300 a month. Kabbadi changed my fortunes,” he recalled nostalgically.
He advised aspiring Kabaddi players to work hard and be patient and not to expect immediate results. “I myself played 10 years before entering the pro kabbadi league. So players need to hone their skills through hard work and wait for their opportunity,” he concluded. UNI RKM SSP
