New Delhi, Oct 17 (NationPress) In a significant move, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) invited India's youth kabaddi teams to witness elite-level competition ahead of the forthcoming Youth Asian Games. Under the guidance of coaches Srinivas Reddy, Deepak Niwas Hooda, and Mamtha Poojari, the teams gathered at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi to observe their sports heroes in action.

The teams experienced a thrilling triple-header at the PKL, starting with an exhilarating tiebreaker between Patna Pirates and Bengaluru Bulls, followed by captivating matches featuring the Telugu Titans against U Mumba, and the defending champions, Haryana Steelers, facing off against UP Yoddhas.

Srinivas Reddy highlighted the significance of this experience for young athletes, stating, “This is an incredible opportunity for these young players to see how the game is played at the highest level before a large audience. This moment will ignite a passion within these players. They are the future of PKL.”

Deepak Niwas Hooda, a renowned all-rounder in PKL history, shared similar thoughts, mentioning, “All these kids follow the PKL, either on television or through their mobile devices. They analyze various scenarios and visualize them, which is as crucial as coaching. Competing in the Pro Kabaddi League is a dream for these youngsters.”

Expressing gratitude for this unique opportunity, Srinivas Reddy added, “A heartfelt thank you to the AKFI (Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India), Mashal Sports, and Star Sports. They have provided these young athletes a chance to witness a live match, significantly boosting their morale as they prepare for the tournament. This experience will inspire these players, and we will witness superstars emerging from this team.”

Mamtha Poojari, coach of the Indian Girls Team, discussed how she utilized this experience to prepare her squad for high-pressure situations. “The kids were thrilled to be present. It’s an international standard match with a massive crowd. I shared insights about crowd dynamics and the subtle skills required when playing at such a level, emphasizing how players maintain their focus despite the large audience.”

She also pointed out how some of the kids got to see their idols in action. “Patna is playing today, and some of the kids are fans of Ayan. They are overjoyed to see him perform,” she noted.

“One young fan idolizes Sunil from U Mumba. He was eager to observe him live, learning how patient he is and how he leads the team. Almost all the kids have their heroes in the PKL,” Poojari remarked.

Highlighting the importance of motivating a new generation and its impact on the broader kabaddi ecosystem, Srinivas Reddy stated, “This is the generation that will excel at the Asian Games and National Championships for India.”

“We are optimistic about India hosting the Olympics in 2036, and this is the generation that will represent India on that stage. The Commonwealth Games are also set to take place in Gujarat in 2030. If our sport is included, it will be a substantial stepping stone toward the Olympics,” he concluded.