From Aspirations To Retirement: Rahul Chaudhari's PKL Story

Rahul Chaudhari reflected on his journey in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). He first heard about PKL in 2010 while playing for Uttar Pradesh in the Nationals.

"I was always hearing that PKL is going to start, and I used to hope that I got into a team," he said. His seniors often teased him about it, but when the auction came, his coach reassured him. "I didn't want the money, I just wanted to play on TV," he added.

Chaudhari's connection with Telugu Titans and their fans is profound. "Fans chanting my name gave me the strength to perform," he shared. Playing six seasons with them, he credits the team and fans for his rise to fame. "This connection will always be there for as long as I live," he emphasized.

Rahul Chaudhari's PKL Retirement

Discussing his retirement from PKL, Chaudhari revealed it was a tough decision. "Even my family didn't know I was going to retire," he mentioned. When they found out, they were surprised and called him immediately. The emotional weight of this decision was evident in his words.

Abhishek Bachchan dedicated Jaipur Pink Panthers' PKL Championship victory to Chaudhari. He praised Rahul's dedication since season one, stating, "He's a player who has been working hard since season 1 and has made his name from it. This victory is for him."

Influence of Ajay Thakur

Chaudhari also spoke about his idol Ajay Thakur. "When I first began to play, I used to idolise Ajay Thakur," he said. Admiring Thakur's skills and appearance, Rahul got a chance to play against him after joining the senior team. This opportunity led Ajay to offer Rahul a spot at Air-India, which he accepted joyfully.

Ajay Thakur reminisced about Rahul's early days, noting how skinny he was back then at around 62 kilos. "I got Rahul a job and looked after him dearly," Thakur said, highlighting their close bond and Rahul's gratitude.

Reflecting on his career progression, Chaudhari shared how kabaddi transformed his life. From traveling in general train compartments to staying in five-star hotels and taking flights, the sport elevated his lifestyle significantly. "They used to welcome us in the hotels and we used to feel very happy," he recalled fondly.

The journey from humble beginnings to stardom has been remarkable for Rahul Chaudhari. His dedication and passion for kabaddi have not only brought him personal success but also inspired many young players across India.