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Kumar also urged the fans to show their support by turning out in numbers and voicing their backing for the team in order to bring out the best in the players.
Bengal Warriorz, Naveen Kumar.
With just over a week for the commencement of the 12th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League, the head coach of Bengal Warriorz, Naveen Kumar, opened up on his impressions of the upcoming season during media day.
“We have built a young team and included quite a few new players this season. We have assessed and scouted players from different places, and also added a few experienced names to balance the squad,” Kumar began.
“We bought Devank Dalal at a high price, and he will be an important player for us along with the youngsters,” he added.
“We are working on the mistakes we made last season, using our training, tactics, and techniques to improve. Last time, our defence was strong, but our raiding unit was a little weak,” he reflected.
“This season, we have strengthened our raiding unit as well. The team will definitely do well, and we are determined to achieve what we could not in the last four years,” Kumar stated.
Kumar also touched upon the development in the sport in the past decade and revealed the contribution of the league to the sport’s ecosystem.
“Earlier, it used to be necessary to play for the national team or a Government department team to compete at a higher level. But now, there’s no need to go anywhere,” he said.
“Academies, teams, and organizations scout players directly from their home grounds, local tournaments, or national competitions, whether junior or senior. Management and coaches keep an eye on these tournaments to spot talent for the New Young Player category,” he explained.
“When new players arrive in the PKL, it takes a little time to adjust. Some exceptionally talented players come in and immediately make a name for themselves, while others gradually settle in and build their careers,” Kumar elucidated.
“PKL has changed a lot and taken kabaddi to the next level. It has given our players recognition and fame. PKL has transformed the sport from the soil to the mat,” he said.
“Today, everyone in the country recognizes kabaddi and its teams. Earlier, the sport was not as popular on TV or social media, but now every local, national, junior, senior, or international tournament is covered,” Kumar added.
“This reach is because of PKL. Today, every citizen in the country knows Kabaddi players, and that is a huge change.”
Kumar also urged the fans to show their support by turning out in numbers and voiving their support for the team in order to bring out the best in the team.
“This game depends a lot on the fans. The more support a player and team receive, the more motivated they become. A player can only perform at his best when his fans are with him, cheering and motivating him,” he said.
“Performance is not just about what happens on the mat; without the encouragement of fans, a player cannot give his 100 percent. Home support and fan backing are the biggest requirements for success in this sport,” Kumar concluded.
Catch all the action from the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, August 29 onwards, LIVE & Exclusive on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network
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