How Has the Pro Kabaddi League Changed Fazel Atrachali's Life?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pro Kabaddi League significantly enhances players' lives.
- Fazel Atrachali exemplifies success through the PKL.
- International interest in kabaddi is growing.
- New kabaddi leagues are emerging globally.
- The league fosters both competition and financial stability for players.
Mumbai, May 3 (NationPress) Bengal Warriorz and Iranian national team defender Fazel Atrachali shared that the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has profoundly impacted his life, providing dreams and recognition to kabaddi players worldwide. Recognized as one of the most accomplished foreign athletes in PKL history, Fazel stands out as the only international player among the top 10 tackle-point scorers, boasting over 500 tackle points.
“The Pro Kabaddi League has completely transformed my life,” Fazel remarked during the WAVES summit. “It has become a dream for all kabaddi players — including myself — to play alongside professional athletes. I genuinely believe that Pro Kabaddi is even more professional than the Asian Games or the World Cup.”
As the captain of his PKL team and the highest-paid foreign player in the league, Fazel emphasized that the continuous high-level competition in the league has been pivotal in his growth as a player. “In the Asian Championship, perhaps ten teams compete, but only five are genuinely strong. In Pro Kabaddi, every team is competitive, and all players are professionals. Competing in such an environment drives you to excel.”
A two-time recipient of the Defender of the Tournament award — a distinction shared only with Manjeet Chhillar and Mohammadreza Chiyaneh — Fazel believes that the league has granted him not only athletic achievements but also personal stability.
Pro Kabaddi League, we’ve become stars. We’ve generated income through the PKL, which has drastically changed our lives. With financial security, we can create a better future.”
However, the league's influence extends beyond India and Iran. Fazel revealed that players from various countries frequently reach out to him, eager to seize opportunities in the PKL.
“Athletes from countries like China, Poland, and England are continually contacting me, inquiring about how they can join the PKL,” he noted.
He perceives that kabaddi is evolving beyond its traditional strongholds. “Previously, only India and Iran had established tournaments or leagues. Now, I observe countries such as Bangladesh, China, and Japan initiating their leagues. Although they may not rival Pro Kabaddi, they are attempting to emulate the format with smaller competitions,” he stated.
Fazel believes this marks the dawn of a new era for the sport. “This indicates that the sport is growing, and more players are aspiring to join the PKL. They’re training harder and participating in additional tournaments to achieve that goal.”
For Fazel Atrachali, the Pro Kabaddi League is more than just a league — it is a transformative platform. “This is a promising sign for the future of kabaddi, and I am confident that it will continue to progress,” he concluded.