Pro Kabaddi, India’s premier professional Kabaddi league, launched in 2014 by Mashal Sports. It brings a modern, franchise-based format to the traditional sport—much like the IPL did for cricket. Featuring teams from various Indian cities, the league runs in a round-robin format, followed by playoffs. The contact sport, where raiders face off against defenders, quickly gained immense popularity, attracting both urban and rural audiences.
The league’s appeal skyrocketed with the introduction of high-quality broadcasts, expert commentary, and live match productions. All these make Kabaddi accessible to a global audience. With players from India and abroad, Pro Kabaddi has not only boosted the sport commercially but also elevated its profile internationally. Furthermore, it fosters young talent, contributing to India’s continued success in global Kabaddi tournaments, playing a key role in reviving interest in this traditional game.
In April 2023, Patna Pirates appointed Narendra Kumar Redhu as their head coach for Season 10, and he remains at the helm for Season 11. Redhu, born in Jind, Haryana, holds an NIS-certified diploma in sports coaching, earning an A grade in the course.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Coach Narendra Kumar Redhu discussed the evolution of Pro Kabaddi, emphasizing how this native Indian sport has broken into the mainstream. He also highlighted grassroots initiatives aimed at developing young talent. Furthermore, he shared insights into the Patna Pirates’ training, strategies, and preparations for Season 11. Redhu outlined how the team plans to differentiate itself and gain an edge this season. Here are the key takeaways from that interview.
Q: Pro Kabaddi is now in its eleventh season. How has this sustained journey contributed to the development and popularization of Kabaddi as a mainstream sport in India?
A: Kabaddi embodies the fundamental human instincts of survival and success. The sport revolves around strategy—accepting and overcoming challenges, defending as a unit, and taking calculated risks. Its unpredictability, where anything can happen, makes it thrilling for millions of fans in India. Moreover, this unpredictability is a key reason for the success of Pro Kabaddi.
Once a traditional favorite, Kabaddi has transformed into a modern and electrifying spectacle, thanks to its televised format. Anyone who grew up playing this contact sport can recall the rush it creates, both for players and spectators alike. Season after season, we’ve seen players from underprivileged backgrounds rise to stardom, gaining cult status among Kabaddi fans. This has boosted the sport’s grassroots popularity, drawing viewers of all ages to stadiums and broadcast platforms across India.
Q: Can you elaborate on the grassroots initiatives and programs that are helping to develop and nurture talent in the Kabaddi ecosystem?
A: Kabaddi, deeply ingrained in India’s cultural heritage, has thrived for generations through local competitions in rural areas, where communities come together to honor traditions and celebrate local heroes. With the advent of professional teams and the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), the sport’s reach and popularity have expanded dramatically. Despite this growth, the essence of Kabaddi remains rooted in its players, and every team understands that success hinges on nurturing and developing talent at the grassroots level.
Patna Pirates, one of the most decorated franchises in the PKL, has been a trailblazer in this effort. They are committed to scouting, mentoring, and refining young talent to meet the evolving standards of the sport. Many of their homegrown champions have gone on to excel with other teams, contributing to Kabaddi’s overall development.
Q: Can you provide insights into the Patna Pirates’ training, strategies, and preparations for Pro Kabaddi Season 11?
A: The Patna Pirates are a formidable force in the Pro Kabaddi League, known for their impressive track record and competitive spirit. As the only team to secure three consecutive titles—in January 2016, June 2016, and 2017—we’ve established ourselves as a dominant presence, reaching the finals four times. With a playoff qualification rate of seven out of ten seasons, our consistency speaks volumes about our commitment to excellence.
Each season, we strive to build an exciting and competitive squad, and this year is no exception. Our roster features a blend of seasoned talent and emerging stars, ensuring our fans can expect thrilling performances. Our raiding lineup is led by the likes of Jang Kun Lee, Meetu, Devank, Sandeep Kumar, Kunal Mehta, and Sudhakar M, all known for their agility and scoring prowess.
Defensively, we boast a robust lineup including Shubham Shinde, Hamid Mirzaei Nader, and Thiyagarajan Yuvaraj, among others. Additionally, our all-rounders Ankit and Gurdeep will further enhance our strategy, ready to power us through an exhilarating Season 11. Get ready for more electrifying Kabaddi action!
Q: Given the close competition in last season’s matches, how is Patna Pirates planning to differentiate itself and gain an edge in Season 11?
A: Seasons 9 and 10 featured nail-biting matches, including an electrifying grand finale where the outcome was anyone’s guess until the final whistle. This competitiveness is a great sign for the sport and its fans. As we head into this year, we expect similarly intense contests, with teams investing heavily in developing a world-class talent pool.
At Patna Pirates, our training sessions are rigorous and strategic. We focus on achieving a well-rounded balance between physical strength and mental sharpness. To enhance our players’ performance, we leverage technology to analyze psychological behavior during matches. This helps prevent burnout in this fiercely competitive arena.
We’re also prioritizing diet and nutrition to optimize our athletes’ health and performance. Overall, this season, the Patna Pirates is committed to building an injury-free team. We can deliver thrilling Kabaddi action week after week. Fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with competitive spirit and outstanding performances!
