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Four games in to the second season of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League, the Dabang Delhi defence looks pretty solid. So much so, that if not for their somewhat mercurial raiding, they could have easily had atleast one more win, a tally that could have elevated them to 4th in the points table. While Ravinder Pahal has been credited with this turn around, the sedate Jasmer Gulia has quietly gone about his business.
A versatile player, blessed with an allround game, he brings in a wealth of experience to the team; a gold at the 2006 SAF Games, 2010 Asian Games and more recently at both the National and the India Police Games, 2015 stands testimony to that. Usually bestowed with taking charge in the centre of the court, he is an asset highly adored and valued by the team management.
Emphasising on his importance, head coach Honnappa C Gowda said, “Jasmer is our experienced player and he has taken the juniors under his wing. The good thing about him is that he is still performing at the highest level himself and thus sets the bar really high for everyone else to follow suit.”
Unlike last year though, Jasmer hasn’t been bestowed with the added responsibility of captaincy. Asked if that has caused any unrest in the squad, the coach added, “Definitely not. He is extremely mature to value the management’s decision and give his best irrespective. In fact he led the team in the first match this season too. The rotation policy has been instilled to ensure no particular player is burdened and for the team to take responsibility collectively.”
“He is extremely adaptive too, we can utilize him in so many different ways in the games coming up. That is what makes him stand out,” signed off Honnappa.
While the diffident player himself remained unavailable for a comment ahead of tomorrow’s clash against the defending champions, it is believed and as the gaffer pointed out the Dabangs might utilize him in a more pronounced role up front. Raiding, as has been apparent over the last few games, isn’t his forte, but given his vigour and zeal for the game, we wouldn’t put it beyond him if he does indeed fill in those boots really well too.
