Pune, Sep 26 (NationPress) The captain of Puneri Paltan, Aslam Inamdar, has praised defender Gaurav Khatri as “a remarkable talent and among India’s top corners”. He emphasized their natural synergy and the significance of team spirit in their ongoing Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) journey.

Aslam shared insights about his kabaddi path, the influence of his family, and maintaining fitness during a demanding season, alongside the impact of emerging players like Khatri.

“Gaurav has been part of our team for a considerable time. He is truly a special talent, arguably one of India’s finest corners. Our coordination is instinctive as I understand his strengths well. Vishal (Bhardwaj) joined us last year, boosting our confidence. At Puneri Paltan, we prioritize teamwork. Our raiders instill belief in the defenders,” Aslam conveyed to JioStar.

The captain discussed the growth of defenders within the team. “Vishal mentioned how much he has improved since joining us. Last season, he went unsold, yet now he stands among the top performers. Despite his youth, Gurdeep brings valuable experience. Our coordination clicked rapidly during pre-season.”

“Vishal had played alongside us, while Gaurav and Abinesh (Abinesh Nadarajan) were pivotal in establishing our coordination. When Gurdeep arrived, we concentrated on integrating him into our setup. During training, we consistently challenge Gurdeep; our raiders keep testing him. Overall, the team is preparing exceptionally well,” he added.

Inamdar also reflected on his personal kabaddi journey, attributing his motivation to his elder brother Rahul and family. “I began playing kabaddi by observing my elder brother Rahul, who was well-respected in our community and the Marathwada region. We faced challenges, but my current achievements stem from the hard work of my family and me.”

“The PKL has transformed the landscape for players like me, providing respect, recognition, and a consistent income. I never envisioned reaching this level. The PKL has afforded individuals like me a genuine opportunity. My journey was not always smooth, and I learned valuable lessons from difficult experiences and the individuals I encountered. Today, my performance on the mat is a reflection of those experiences,” he stated.

With PKL seasons lasting several months, Inamdar stressed the necessity of fitness and recovery. “Each team prepares differently, but having a competent physio and fitness team is crucial. Over an extended season, recovery holds equal importance to training. Nowadays, players communicate their needs to trainers, whether it’s strength conditioning or specialized drills, collaborating with coaches on practice requirements.”

“Travel and fluctuating weather can be exhausting. This is when good nutrition, alongside the support of physios and trainers, becomes essential,” he emphasized.

The captain also highlighted the importance of team bonding outside of matches. “The pre-season camp is vital for understanding your game and capabilities. With many young players, I make an effort to connect with them, share meals, and discuss coping strategies. This fosters trust and strengthens the team,” he concluded.