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Manjeet Chillar is one of the most accomplished all-rounders in world kabaddi today. He was part of the Indian gold-winning Asian Games and Indoor Asian Games teams and established himself as a seasoned professional over the years. The Indian international is captain of the Bengaluru Bulls team and inspired his team to the knockout stages in the first season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), where they finished 4th overall.
He talked to Sportskeeda in an exclusive interview over the phone. Here are the excerpts of the interview:
Q. How did you start playing kabaddi?
I was a wrestler before. However, I injured my nose while wrestling. I came back to my village and we had kabaddi players here. So, I started playing kabaddi with them.
Q. Being the captain, how do you inspire the team?
Everyone should practice and even if someone makes a mistake, we don't put him down and question how he committed a mistake. On the contrary, we encourage him by saying things like “don't worry, you’ll do better next time”. We have unity in the team. We are like a family. We believe that when we are in the team, we don't play as individuals, we try to give the best for the team. We come together and play as a team.
Q. You were the best defender - 51 points. Thoughts?
I wasn't that happy with just being the best defender. I would have been happier if my team – Bengaluru Bulls – would have won.
Q. You're an all-rounder. But, what do you like more – raiding or defending?
I like both. It depends on the team's need. If our star raider gets tackled, I would go in. However, I love defending as well, so I can't choose between the two as I like them both.
Q. Bengaluru Bulls B finished 4th in the first season. What are your targets this time?
This time we'll play well and our target is to win the final.
Q. You were one of the most expensive players in the auction at Rs. 10.8 lakh. Did you feel any pressure to perform?
No, nothing like that. I am here to play, even if it is for free. There is no pressure.
Q. What impact has the Pro Kabaddi League made to kabaddi?
Kabaddi's TRP has increased. Everyone knows us now and the sport of kabaddi.
(Jokes) Before, you (the media) didn't take our interview and now you are, so that's the biggest difference. (Laughs)
Q. Which countries do you think can give India a tough competition?
There's Iran, Pakistan, Japan and South Korea. These teams are nice.
Q. The PKL has got players from all nationalities playing together. How does it feel playing with foreigners?
It is good they are coming to play and we get to play with them. The viewers will realise that there are good players in other countries as well. They won't think that the (Indian) kabaddi team got another gold medal (easily). The players in other countries have to work hard as well, they practice well and that is why they are playing at such a high level. It is not easy to win a gold medal in kabaddi. There are some very good players in other countries.
Q. You are from Nizampur, even India’s kabaddi captain Rakesh Kumar is from there. How has the city contributed to Indian kabaddi?
The best players are selected in the national team. And because there are 2 players from Nizampur in the Indian squad, the kids back home have started playing looking at our achievements. Because of the PKL, there has been more interest in kabaddi and even more players want to play the sport and make their mark.
Q. You train budding kabaddi players. Do you think anyone can achieve what you and Rakesh Kumar did and carry the Nizampur flag in the team?
Yes, of course. The players who are practicing at a high level. The players who are good will make it to the national team.
Q. You also coach youngsters back home. Do you teach them out of interest or because of the lack of coaches?
No, the thing is that there are not a lot of coaches. Our senior players taught us and we teach kabaddi to our junior players. We play with them and that is how they learn. There are not many coaches back home though.
Q. Which other ground do you like apart from Bengaluru?
I love the ground back home. I love practicing there, but all the grounds are nice, so we can play everywhere.
Q. Kabaddi is not a part of the Olympics/CommonWealth Games. Do you think it should be included?
Of course! It should be there because then there will be a feeling in India that the kabaddi players can get a gold for the country and we are confident we can achieve it if kabaddi is part of such events.
Q. Who is your favourite teammate in Bengaluru Bulls?
I am close to all. Being the captain, I get to interact with all of them and they are all nice.
Q. You are a very strong player as we saw in the PKL and with the national team. Could you tell us more about your diet or training?
Yes, I train well. I practice a lot and maintain a good diet. I eat almonds, kheer. I don't go out and eat junk food, I follow a good diet.
Q. We saw in the first season that you and your teammate Dharmaraj Cheralathan played well together. What is the secret behind your partnership?
He is a fellow Railways player. We play and practice together and that is why we had a good co-ordination in the first season. We will try to do even better in this season.
Q. How can we improve the Indian kabaddi team even further?
The Federation (Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India) organises a lot of camps for the Indian team – junior as well as senior. We get to practice there and improve ourselves. The government and federation is doing its part.
Q. You are 28 years old now. Have you thought what you would want to do in the future after you quit playing?
I would like to coach youngsters. I would organise competitions back home, so big players come there and inspire the youngsters.
Q. How is the mood in the camp with the new season starting in less than three weeks?
The team is happy and very excited to get the season underway from 18th July. We are waiting eagerly for it to start and we want to play well, that is the main thing.
Q. Advice to budding kabaddi players.
I want to tell them to practice well and leave the rest to God, who will reward you. Aim for the top. If the target is big, you will become a good player. Practice to be a top player.
Q. Do you have any message for the fans?
Pray for us (Bengaluru Bulls) to finish 1st. We have prepared well this time.
