Prior to PKL providing for him financially, veteran defender Surjeet Singh Narwal, an important member of the Indian squad that took home gold at the 2023 Asian Games, was motivated by his love of the game.
“When I started it was all about passion for sport. Money was never the reason. I played a little of cricket initially in my village, but kabaddi was the sport I took up seriously,” told PTI.
“Honestly, I never thought kabaddi players would get good money before PKL changed all that. We began getting opportunities every season, and with that, the financial rewards also came,” said Narwal, who is playing for Dabang Delhi this season.
“Earlier, kabaddi players didn’t earn much, even if they played at national level. But PKL has changed that. Players are now financially secure, and their families are in a much better position,” said Narwal who was bought for Rs 20 lakh in the auction.
“PKL has raised the standard of the game not only in India but also in Asia. Players from other countries, like Iran, get exposure here too,” Narwal added.
In the PKL, Narwal leads all Indian players in tackle points (443). He has scored the most High-5s (34) in the PKL and is only surpassed by Fazel Atrachali in terms of tackle points. Puneri Paltan, U Mumba, Bengal Warriorz, Tamil Thalaivas, Telugu Titans, Bengaluru Bulls, and Jaipur Pink Panthers are among the teams he has played for.
Narwal, who came to the top the hard way, hails from Kathura village in the Sonepat area of Haryana.
“Like most players from villages, the main challenge was lack of facilities. We did practice in the mud and with limited resources. But because kabaddi was such a big part of our community, we kept going. I am the seventh player from my village to play at the Asian Games, so that environment kept me motivated,” Narwal remarked.
