Is Former PKL Champion Akash Shinde Ready to Chase Glory with Bengaluru Bulls?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Akash Shinde's journey from Nashik to PKL champion showcases determination.
- The importance of mentorship in sports cannot be overstated.
- Youthful teams can achieve great success with the right mindset.
- Shinde aims to inspire future kabaddi stars from Maharashtra.
- His story reflects the evolving landscape of Indian sports.
Bengaluru, July 4 (NationPress) Hailing from the quaint town of Nashik, Akash Shinde harbored aspirations that seemed distant without a defined route. His district had never seen anyone make it to the national stage in kabaddi before.
Yet, the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 champion, acquired by Bengaluru Bulls for Rs 53.10 lakh during the PKL 12 Player Auction, is now prepared to guide a youthful squad towards triumph.
"No one in my family was involved in kabaddi. While it had a following in my village, nobody from Nashik had played at a national level. This made it quite challenging. Nevertheless, I had faith in my journey and continued to put in the effort," Shinde reflects on those early days when success felt elusive.
The road to success was fraught with obstacles. Each advancement required him to learn independently. "I focused on identifying the areas of my game that needed enhancement and worked diligently to improve. I kept pushing forward," he shares.
As he observes his new teammates at Bengaluru Bulls, Shinde recognizes the same drive he once possessed, likening it to another Bengaluru-based sports team that broke a long-standing trophy drought — the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
"I feel optimistic. This is a new and youthful team. Just like RCB clinched victory with a young roster, we intend to conquer the PKL as well. The excitement is palpable. The young players are eager to establish their credentials," he added.
The urge to prove oneself is something Shinde knows intimately. He experienced it during a heartbreaking defeat with Puneri Paltan in Season 9, when they fell to the Jaipur Pink Panthers by a mere 2-3 points. However, that disappointment made the triumph in PKL 10 even more rewarding, especially as he captained the team in the absence of the injured skipper Aslam Inamdar.
"When I was with Puneri Paltan, we narrowly lost to Jaipur Pink Panthers by 2-3 points in season 9. We put in immense effort in the following season and emerged as champions," he recalls. "Such experiences provide valuable lessons and help maintain composure in critical moments."
That championship victory transformed everything. It demonstrated that all the hard work had paid off. Now, as he surveys his young Bulls teammates, Shinde sees that same fire in their eyes. Behind every successful athlete is a coach who believes in them. For Shinde, that figure is BC Ramesh, with whom he celebrated victory in the historic 10th season.
"He is strict on the field, but treats us like family. Having someone who genuinely cares makes a significant impact in such a demanding sport," Shinde expresses.
Shinde's journey signifies more than personal achievement. He has paved the way for others from his region. "Maharashtra has a wealth of exceptional players. The skill level is exceedingly high, which is why we produce some of the finest athletes. The competition is intense," he concluded.