Is Uday Parte Seoni's Rising Star Reaping the Rewards of Six Years of Hard Work with a Major PKL Contract?

Jaipur, July 8 (NationPress) When Uday Parte's name resonated through the Pro Kabaddi Season 12 League Player Auction hall on June 1 as the second most expensive player from Category D, the 23-year-old from Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, experienced a wave of emotions that he could hardly keep in check.

"At that moment, I was overwhelmed, simply taking it all in," he humbly reflected on this transformative experience that will see him don the Jaipur Pink Panthers jersey in the upcoming season.

Uday's ascent into professional kabaddi began in a traditional manner, inspired by his elder brother. "My brother plays kabaddi, so I started going to the ground with him," he shared. What began as brotherly bonding evolved into a remarkable six-year journey culminating in his inaugural PKL contract.

Unlike many athletes who start young, Uday's kabaddi journey took off later in life. "I began at 17 while still in school," he noted. Despite this late start, his determination led to rapid progress. After participating in local competitions in Seoni, he made waves at the Junior National level in 2021, which opened doors to academy training and All India tournaments.

The auction day brought him unexpected luck when the Jaipur Pink Panthers, his favorite team, placed their trust in his skills. "The team has shown immense faith in me, and I must perform well for them," Uday remarked, acknowledging the weight of being a high-value selection. His first instinct post-auction was to share this monumental moment with his loved ones: "I immediately called my father, followed by my coach."

His coach, Mahesh Gaur from Jabalpur, has played a crucial role in his growth. Gaur, who has represented teams like Bengal Warriorz and Patna Pirates, provides Uday with the necessary professional guidance to transition from local tournaments to the PKL.

Choosing the Jaipur Pink Panthers was about more than just the auction results; it was a team he had long admired. "Jaipur has always been my favorite team," he expressed. "I am thankful for the confidence they've placed in me by adding me to their lineup."

Under the mentorship of head coach Narender Redhu, Uday has found a nurturing environment to thrive. After meeting the coach about 20 days post-auction, he shared how the coach's encouragement has inspired him: "The head coach motivates me greatly. He believes in my abilities, and I just need to play my game." Such trust from the coaching staff has significantly boosted his confidence.

Being surrounded by experienced players like Nitin Rawal and Nitin Kumar Dhankar provides Uday with invaluable learning opportunities. "All the seniors here are incredibly supportive. They possess extensive experience, which is immensely helpful for newcomers like me," he stated. This mentorship is vital for a player making his PKL debut, especially one with the expectations tied to being a prized auction pick.

As Uday prepares to step onto the mat clad in the Jaipur Pink Panthers jersey, this moment will not only signify a personal achievement but also embody the realization of dreams through perseverance and discipline. "I will pray to God, work hard, and play to the best of my abilities," he articulated about his mindset for this pivotal debut moment.

As he gears up to leave his mark in PKL Season 12, this young raider from Seoni carries not just the aspirations of his hometown but also the dreams of numerous aspiring kabaddi players who see in his journey the potential for their own rise from local fields to professional success.