How Did Aslam Inamdar Transform His Life from Tea Stall to Kabaddi Champion?

Mumbai, Aug 17 (NationPress) For Puneri Paltan star Aslam Inamdar, kabaddi has gone beyond being merely a sport — it has been his lifeline. Rising from modest beginnings, where he assisted his mother by washing tea glasses at a stall, to triumphantly lifting the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) trophy in Season 10, Aslam's journey is a testament to grit, resilience, and unwavering self-belief.

"My childhood was incredibly challenging. Our sole aim was to ensure that no one in the family went hungry. I took on jobs in hotels, on farms, anywhere I could find work — yet my passion for kabaddi never faded," Aslam reflects on 'The Chill Hour' podcast with Deepak Pareek.

This passion was nurtured by his brother Wasim and local coach Rahul Balkar. After a decade of obscurity — "For 10 years, I was merely a kabaddi player without money or fame" — Aslam's significant breakthrough occurred in 2019. By 2021, he made his debut in the Pro Kabaddi League with Puneri Paltan, quickly establishing himself as a fearless raider.

He believes that the economics of PKL have not only transformed players' lives but also shifted the perception of the sport. "When a PKL player earns Rs 2 crores consistently over three to four seasons, it equates to at least INR 8 crores… This revolutionizes a person’s life and the view of the sport," Aslam states.

However, success did not come without challenges. After leading Puneri to their first PKL title in Season 10 and being recognized as the Most Valuable Player, he faced a severe injury in Season 11. Doubts regarding his return flooded in. "People claimed I wouldn’t be able to compete at that level again. But I ignore negativity. My belief in myself outweighs everything else," he asserts.

It is this balance of calmness and determination that defines Aslam. "I don’t take life too seriously. I focus on the present. Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, savor every moment," he smiles.

He emphasizes that consistency is the true measure of a sportsperson. "Achieving success is simple. Maintaining it is the real challenge. Many athletes shine for a brief period and then fade away. For me, it’s about combining hard work with smart work. That’s what keeps you at the pinnacle."

Much of his development he attributes to the Puneri Paltan environment and his mentor Ashok Shinde. "Every player receives advice from numerous sources. However, in life, you should heed one person whom you trust completely. For me, that’s Ashok sir. He consistently assured me — I’ll make you a significant player. And I placed my trust in him."

Today, Aslam Inamdar stands as not only a kabaddi champion but also as a beacon of inspiration for youth from small towns chasing grand dreams. His narrative exemplifies that hunger, discipline, and self-belief can elevate someone from the fringes of a tea stall to the spotlight of global sports.