How Did Nitesh Kumar Rise from Haryana's Fields to PKL Fame with Tamil Thalaivas?

Chennai, Aug 5 (NationPress) In a quaint village nestled in Haryana's Rohtak district, a young lad spent his days wielding a cricket bat. Kabaddi was not on his radar until a pivotal afternoon transformed his life. That boy is Nitesh Kumar, now recognized as one of the most promising defensive talents in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and the emerging star of Tamil Thalaivas.

“At around 13 years old, weighing merely 40 kilos, I followed my friends to the Kabaddi field,” Nitesh reminisced in the 'Rise of a Star'. “I lost my first match - the score is a blur. However, something clicked within me. I knew this was my path.”

The road ahead was filled with challenges. Thanks to the unwavering encouragement of his family and his coach, Ramesh Kumar—a strict disciplinarian from a nearby village and an active officer in the Haryana Police—Nitesh committed to rigorous training. Local tournaments became the proving ground for his defensive skills, often learning techniques by observing seasoned players.

His breakthrough arrived in Mahendragarh, Haryana, where a stellar performance captured the attention of PKL scouts. “I was just 17 or 18 when I received the call,” Nitesh shared. “Initially, my family was skeptical. They questioned, ‘You’re too young - how did you get chosen?’”

Transitioning from local competitions to the dazzling world of PKL was overwhelming. Nitesh made his debut against Dabang Delhi K.C. in a packed stadium in Ahmedabad, vividly recalling being substituted into the game as Naveen Kumar initiated a raid. “The crowd, the lights—it was surreal. But when I tackled the Naveen Express, all my nerves faded away. I felt at home.”

Although he spent much of his debut season on the sidelines, Nitesh intensified his training ahead of Season 11. His dedication bore fruit. Not only did he secure a spot in the starting lineup for Tamil Thalaivas, but he also emerged as one of the season's premier defenders. His remarkable performance against Puneri Paltan, where he achieved a High 5 to defeat the PKL 10 Champions, was unforgettable. “That match was unique. The pressure and atmosphere brought out my best,” he said.

Even with his personal achievements, Tamil Thalaivas fell short of playoff qualification. “The team felt disheartened. But our coach reminded us that setbacks are part of the game. What counts is our resilience,” Nitesh remarked. “Season 12 is our opportunity to rise.”

Today, Nitesh Kumar is not merely a rising star but a testament to how far raw talent, perseverance, and the right mentorship can propel an athlete. “PKL transformed my life—financially, emotionally, in every aspect. People who were once strangers now stop me for photographs in Tamil Nadu,” he expressed with pride.

As the new season approaches, both Tamil Thalaivas and their fans are placing their hopes on Nitesh to fortify their defense with the same determination that has brought him this far. For Nitesh Kumar, this ascent is just the beginning.

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 is set to kick off on August 29, broadcasting live on the Star Sports Network and streaming on JioHotstar.