Is KIBG 2026 Witnessing the Ascendancy of Kabaddi Star Dadaso Pujari?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's kabaddi talent Dadaso Pujari showcases the impact of the Khelo India scheme at KIBG 2026, where he returns to his roots, revealing how such platforms enrich India's sports talent pool.
Key Takeaways
- Dadaso Pujari exemplifies the success of the Khelo India initiative.
- His journey from local kabaddi to the Pro Kabaddi League highlights opportunities for young athletes.
- The Khelo India Beach Games serve as a platform for players to return and enrich the sport.
- Participation of experienced players boosts competition levels.
- Younger athletes are inspired by the cycle of returning players.
Diu, Jan 6 (NationPress) A remarkable product of the Khelo India framework, Maharashtra’s emerging kabaddi sensation Dadaso Shivaji Pujari has returned to the very platform that sparked his ascent to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) during the ongoing Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026 held in Diu.
Dadaso first made his mark in the Khelo India Youth Games in Panchkula, where his skills as a dependable right-corner defender caught attention, leading to three successful seasons with Puneri Paltan. He is now leveraging that experience while competing on the sandy terrains of Ghoghla Beach in beach kabaddi.
His journey exemplifies how the Khelo India pathway nurtures talent in Indian kabaddi, which, in turn, is enriched by players returning after gaining exposure on larger platforms.
Born in Kolhapur to a farmer father, Shivaji Pujari, Dadaso's story resonates on a deeper level, shaped by the constraints of his upbringing. He began his kabaddi journey at 12, inspired by local friends. Advancing from school competitions to representing Maharashtra and ultimately securing a professional contract, his path has been paved by the structured opportunities that Khelo India provides.
“Everything I am today is because of Khelo India,” Dadaso shared with SAI Media. “The Youth Games in Panchkula were the key to my entry into the Pro Kabaddi League. Even with my experiences at that level, I feel a strong connection to Khelo India. Coming back to this platform feels like returning home,” he stated.
As a skilled right-corner defender known for his tactical ankle holds and defensive prowess, Dadaso now faces the unique challenge of beach kabaddi. “The dynamics on sand are entirely different. Movement is slower, maintaining balance is more challenging, and every tackle demands additional effort. However, these obstacles contribute to my growth as a player,” he explained.
Dadaso is not alone in this return; at the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, around seven players who have experience in the Pro Kabaddi League are representing their states. Their involvement highlights the depth fostered by the Khelo India Scheme, which has become a vital source of talent for the Pro Kabaddi League.
These athletes are returning to the national developmental platform, enriching the Khelo India Beach Games with their experience, quality, and visibility.
The participation of Pro Kabaddi League athletes at Khelo India events isn't limited to the Beach Games. At the recently concluded Khelo India University Games in Jaipur, nearly 25 players with Pro Kabaddi League backgrounds represented their universities. This trend reflects how the Khelo India Scheme has fortified the professional league while ensuring elite players engage with and uplift national-level competitions.
Dadaso emphasizes the importance of this cycle for the future of Indian kabaddi: “Khelo India offers young players exposure, confidence, and direction. When seasoned players return after professional play, the competition level naturally rises, inspiring younger athletes,” he remarked.
Point of View
It is clear that the Khelo India initiative is transforming the landscape of Indian sports, particularly kabaddi. The return of experienced players like Dadaso Pujari to grassroots competitions emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between professional leagues and developmental platforms. This cycle not only elevates the standards of competition but also inspires younger athletes, ensuring the growth and sustainability of sports in India.
NationPress
07/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dadaso Pujari?
Dadaso Pujari is a rising kabaddi star from Maharashtra, known for his skills as a right-corner defender in the Pro Kabaddi League.
What is the Khelo India scheme?
Khelo India is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting sports across the country by providing structured opportunities for young athletes.
Where are the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 held?
The Khelo India Beach Games 2026 are being held in Diu.
How has Dadaso benefited from Khelo India?
Dadaso attributes his professional success and opportunities to the Khelo India scheme, which helped him transition from local competitions to the Pro Kabaddi League.
Why is the return of Pro Kabaddi players to Khelo India events significant?
Their return adds experience and enhances the quality of competition, thereby inspiring younger players and contributing to the growth of Indian kabaddi.
