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While they were comprehensively beaten in their opening encounter of the ongoing Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), the astute performance of one of the Delhi Dabang players stood out in defence. Commonly referred to as “The Wall”, Ravinder Pahal lived up to his nickname as he waged a lone battle against the Telegu Titans raiders.
The “Best defender award” does not quite console him for the loss, but as we reached out to him, he confessed, “The spirit showed by the team inspite of missing their top raider was exemplary and it shouldn’t take them long before they return to winning ways.”
Hailing from a village which is known for producing champions in the sport, Ravinder’s beginnings had been modest. He stressed though that with the advent of PKL, all that and living in a state of oblivion has changed beyond measure.
“Sonepat has had a glorious tradition in kabaddi. But then, still very few people used to play the sport previously. With the advent of PKL, that has changed – people have started recognising us and are taking to the courts more often,” he said. “The tournament has changed the way people perceive it. Personally I am deeply gratified by the initiation of the league and inducting me in to the Dabang Delhi team; would like to thank them for the same.”
While we persuaded him to talk a little more about the team and the performances so far, Pahal opened up about changes which took place in the off-season and how the team is coping with it, “There are some 4-5 new guys in our team. Over the 3 training camps we have had, they have gelled really well and that is bound to show in our upcoming fixtures. In fact had we had our full squad at disposal for the opener, the scoreline could have been a lot different.”
Clearly upbeat about his team’s chances, he signed off with aplomb, “We are pretty upbeat ahead of the match on the 24th. As I said the opener was an aberration and I am sure we will bounce back immediately. The coach and the support staff have been working a lot with us and that should show when we take the court next.”
Dabang Delhi play Puneri Paltan in their next match on 24th July at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata.
