From leaving his kabaddi kit at a friend’s house and hiding the truth of playing the sport from his family, Gurunath More — the raider from Kolhapur, playing for Gujarat Fortunegiants in ProKabaddi League Season-7, has come a long way. In this season More has played nine matches thus far.
Reflecting on his initiation to kabaddi, in spite of wrestling being a more famous sport there, he said, “Kabaddi was played at the school I went to. There were no facilities for wrestling. So I started playing kabaddi in the school days and liked it. Even in the village we used to play kabaddi only. I was naturally drawn to the sport but I had never thought I would become a professional kabaddi player.”
Household name
Playing in ProKabaddi league has made More a household name, especially in his village and the surrounding areas where he used to go for the kabaddi competitions. Young fans want his autographs whereever he goes and he has been felicitated by his college with several Ganpati mandals (festive groups).
“However, the downside is that unlike earlier times, going to a public place with friends or families is not possible now,” he said.
“Gujarat Fortunegiants is a fantastic team and I feel great to be a part of it. There is a lot of bonding and team spirit within the team. I am privileged to be a part of this team,” said More.
Confidence-booster
“Advice by some world-class coaches has boosted my confidence because that has helped me improve as a player and I have learnt the importance of injury-management in the game.”
Initially, More’s family was apprehensive of their son playing kabaddi and getting injured but they supported him when they realised that he wants to become a kabaddi player and nothing else. “In kabaddi, injuries are very common and my family used to advise me against playing the sport. They are naturally very happy that they allowed me to chart my own course,” said More happily.
More will be in action on Wednesday against Haryana Steelers at the Thyagaraj ports Complex here.
