HYDERABAD: The dream season of Pro Kabaddi 2016 has begun amidst aims of Titans, Warriors, Bulls, Paltan and Panthers to fly high. While defenders and raiders hope to showcase their winning ways, the Pro Kabaddi league in its fourth season slowly but steadily ups the momentum as teams vie for the top spot.
Since its origin, kabaddi has seen umpteen changes. The outdoor game played on the streets for recreation has transformed now into a sport that’s played indoors. The Pro Kabaddi league too has grown to boast of its share of glamour and a lucrative deal for its players, though it’s nowhere near cricket standards. Speaking of his tryst with the sport, E. Prasad Rao, technical director of Pro Kabaddi league says, “I played kabaddi only for the love of it. In those days, one never played with livelihood in mind, it was only because one enjoyed it,” he recalls. Also called as ‘Kabaddi guru’, Prasad Rao had coached the Indian team for three decades. “Kabaddi cannot be compared with other sports because it is a game of individual struggle even though teams are pitted against one another. In other sports, every member contributes to the team and has support of other team members. Here the sportsman singlehandedly faces a group of opponents. The kabaddi player goes to the opponent’s ring alone and fights on his own. One’s valour is tested and when he comes out victorious, he will be a raider,” he points out.
Telugu Titans coach Uday Kumar roots for the mental toughness. “Kabaddi is one game where the player has no sporting equipment but uses only his body as a weapon to deal with the opponents. Be it strength, flexibility or presence of mind, the sport has many assets,” he says. The short duration and action-packed matches add to the thrill, he points out. “These games are thrilling and entertaining too as the crowd gets involved,” he says.
Star raider Rahul Chaudhari points out the skill sets. “In kabaddi, a player has to be agile and vigilant. There is confusion when a raider enters the opponent’s ring. All the members are out to catch hold of him and some can come from behind too. He has to be quick and watchful. This alert attitude helps in being guarded and cautious in life,” he says.
Prasad Rao explains how the game inculcates a competitive spirit. “I came from a lower middle class family but see where I am now. The versatile game makes you a fighter and one is prepared to take on challenges. Also, one dodges, plans and trains to catch the opponent. With the same spirit, one will be quick to grab an opportunity in his life,” he says. Prasad Rao, who runs a coaching academy in Visakhapatnam speaks of the change in people’s mindset. “Earlier I had to convince parents and teachers to send the boys to the Academy saying, ‘he will be good for India.’ Now, parents bring recommendation letters to join it,” he smiles. On the other hand, the game has a long way to go. The popularity of kabaddi may be rising but sadly it does not get that much attention among school children. “Unlike other sports like cricket or football which originated abroad, kabaddi is indigenous. This game is produced by India and we have to be proud of it.”
