Former U Mumba Defender Shanmugam Attributes PKL Contract to Yuva Kabaddi Series

Synopsis

Mukilan Shanmugam shares how participating in the Yuva Kabaddi Series significantly contributed to his success in landing a Pro Kabaddi League contract. His journey from a local player to a professional athlete showcases the impact of competitive kabaddi.

Key Takeaways

Early Beginnings: Shanmugam started playing kabaddi at 14.
Family Support: Initially unsupportive, his family began to back him as he showcased talent.
Yuva Kabaddi Series Debut: He debuted with Palani Tuskers in Winter Edition 2022.
Trials for U Mumba: He was selected for trials after a successful YKS season.
Current Competition: Shanmugam is competing in Yuva Mumba at the All-Stars Championship.

Haridwar, April 2 (NationPress) Mukilan Shanmugam, a native of Karur, began his journey in kabaddi at just 14 years old. He initially played during school and regularly engaged in local matches within his village. Although his family was not initially supportive, they never discouraged him. As he began competing in various tournaments and demonstrating his talent on bigger platforms, his family eventually came around to support him.

The 22-year-old made his debut in the Yuva Kabaddi Series with the Palani Tuskers during the Winter Edition 2022. He had an outstanding season, accumulating 59 points from 26 matches with the Tuskers. Shortly after his debut in the YKS, Shanmugam was invited by the Pro Kabaddi League team U Mumba for trials.

Expressing his excitement, Shanmugam recounted, “After my participation in the All India University Games, I auditioned with the Palani Tuskers and was selected to represent the team in the Yuva Kabaddi Winter Edition 2022 held in Pondicherry. We had a fantastic season and finished as the runners-up. Following my performance, the U Mumba management invited me for trials in Mumbai,” he shared.

The athlete from Tamil Nadu traveled to Mumbai for the trials and was among the 10 players shortlisted for the coveted opportunity.

When discussing the trials, Shanmugam mentioned, “The trials lasted two days, featuring around 250 players from all over the country displaying their skills. I gave my best effort and was selected as one of the 10 players finalized by the coaches. They informed us that they would contact the selected individuals, and a few days later, I received a call from the management to sign a contract with the club.”

Shanmugam looks up to former U Mumba players Jeeva Kumar and Fazel Atrachali for their playing style. He had the privilege of representing U Mumba in PKL Seasons 10 and 11 and speaks highly of how the Yuva Kabaddi Series has influenced his career.

“The Yuva Kabaddi Series was instrumental in helping me secure a PKL contract. YKS mirrors the PKL, and the league instilled in me the confidence necessary to perform in the Pro Kabaddi League. I felt no fear playing in the PKL after having competed under the lights and in front of cameras,” he stated.

Currently, he is competing for Yuva Mumba in the ongoing edition of the Yuva All-Stars Championship in Haridwar. The young player has achieved 20 tackle points from 12 matches and is eager to return to the Pro Kabaddi League.

“I’ve rejoined the Yuva Kabaddi Series and aim to re-enter the PKL by delivering my best performance in Haridwar for Yuva Mumba,” he concluded.

Yuva Mumba is set to face Yuva Yoddhas in Eliminator 1 of the Yuva All Stars Championship 2025 in Haridwar on Wednesday. A victory against the Yoddhas would secure the Mumbai-based franchise a spot in the semi-final.