Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Maninder Singh And Fazel Atrachali Discuss Team Strategy For PKL

The Bengal Warriors are gearing up for an exciting start to Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11, with their opening clash against Jaipur Pink Panthers slated for October 20th, 2024.

Star players Maninder Singh and Fazel Atrachali, pivotal to the team's strategies, recently opened up about their preparations and the dynamics within the team as they look forward to the competition beginning on October 18th from 7:30 PM onwards.

Maninder Singh, expressing his thoughts on the team's readiness and atmosphere, credited the arrival of Fazel Atrachali for a significant positive change. On 'Kings of Kabaddi’ Episode of Star Sports, he shared, "The preparation for this season is going on very well. Ever since Fazel has come, the atmosphere has changed a lot."

Atrachali reciprocated this sentiment by highlighting the ease and freedom he now feels playing alongside a seasoned player like Maninder. “I am very happy, because firstly I am playing with Maninder. Here, I have a more free mind because Maninder is here and he is also a senior player.

"Last season, there were a lot of young players and I was a senior, so it was very difficult for me to handle everything. But now Maninder is here, with a lot of experience. So I am more free and I can play my game,” Fazel added.

Team Dynamics and Leadership

The duo discussed their relationship and mutual respect on the field, revealing a lighthearted rivalry over leadership roles within the team. "We have a fight with each other. I tell him that you should be captain, while he tells me that you should be captain," Fazel revealed, underscoring their strong bond and shared leadership qualities.

Recovering from injuries and returning to peak physical condition has been a priority for Maninder Singh, who emphasizes the importance of fitness in a demanding tournament like the PKL.

"Pro Kabaddi League is a big tournament, so it required me to be fully fit. So I do my fitness at home and it feels good. It also gives you the excitement to play with new players. If I don't get fit, it's a problem. But now, since Fazel is here in the team, then there will be no problem," Maninder stated, indicating the support and confidence Fazel’s presence brings to the team.

Admiration and Mutual Respect

Fazel Atrachali shared his admiration for Maninder’s dedication and work ethic, which inspired him to push his limits. "I was curious about Maninder. Maybe, I thought that his power is good or something else. What is special about him? He doesn't know, but I saw that. I checked him on the first practice.

"Maybe some junior players, when they are tired and even me, when I am tired, I cheat a little in the practice, especially in fitness. But when I see Maninder, I see that he is doing extra practice. Really, that time I was surprised, so I follow him," Fazel elaborated.

Fazel also reflected on his journey to becoming a professional kabaddi player, a path filled with skepticism from those around him. "I remember when I was young, I told people that I am a Kabaddi player. They said, what is Kabaddi? Leave Kabaddi, and go for football or for wrestling.

"They said, there is no future in Kabaddi. Kabaddi is not good. Kabaddi in India was famous, but in Iran it wasn't like this famous. I think in 2013, there was no league in Iran or any tournament and I didn't have a job, and I was married also. I needed money.

"So I joined with my friend for making knife. I had one hammer of 15 kg, and we used to work 2 hours, 3 hours in the morning," Fazel recounted, highlighting the challenges and perseverance that have shaped his career.

As the Bengal Warriors and their star players look forward to the start of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 11, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. With a balanced mix of experience, leadership, and mutual respect among team members, the Warriors are poised for what promises to be an electrifying season.