After a semi-final exit in the last edition of the Pro Kabaddi League, Bengaluru Bulls is determined to go all the way in the second season.
The team has seen changes, with 11 new faces out of a squad of 22, but Randhir Singh still remains at the helm. In this conversation with The Hindu, the veteran coach discusses the impact of the Pro Kabaddi league (PKL), his side’s prospects in the upcoming season and the state of the sport in the country. Excerpts:
The squad: We have recruited six or seven junior players, who have the potential to be Indian stars . I have a mixture of juniors and seniors and I am sure that you will see an exciting performance. The likes of Ashish Chhokar, Rakesh Narwal, and Pardeep Narwal will be the best among the juniors.
Improvements: Our strength is our defence. Last year, our defence earned us maximum points because the main four in our defence were brilliant. We have strengthened it with some new players. This year our raiding is also strong. Last year, when our main raider, Ajay Thakur, was unwell, it had a negative effect on our performance. We have signed two or three raiders this time to support him.
Preparation: We have conducted two camps and are in the midst of the third. I make them run in the morning and we train for two or two and half hours. In the evening, I make them play against each other and simulate match scenarios. We work on our tactics very seriously. I spend three to four hours drawing up strategies.
Contenders: All teams are equal. We cannot say who is strong or weak because every side has signed new players. And with the young players, you can never say what they can do.
Poland’s Michal Spiczko: He is an active player from what I have seen. There is a difference between Indian players and overseas ones but he will be a good addition. He is an all-rounder. Poland is another team that is progressing in the sport.
India vs. the rest: In the final of the Asian Games, India won because of their experience. Till the last raid, India and Iran were on level terms. Manjeet Chillar got us the winning point. The average age of Iran squad is 20 years. They are looking like a real threat and if they had as much experience as the Indians, they could have edged them out.
Kabaddi at the international level: Japan, South Korea and Iran are all rising powers in Asia. There are seven or eight countries around the world that are doing really well. But now every village in India has one club for kabaddi and going forward, that will help.
The kabaddi of today: If only we were playing in times like these! The difference is night and day. We had no benefits but now these players are given monetary rewards after each Asian Games success. I was the Indian captain and played multiple international tournaments but we did not get anything. So it is nice that these players are getting something now because the sport is moving forward. But I feel the hard work that we put in at that time is not matched by the players these days. I am trying, though, to get the players to do a lot of work in training.
Impact of the PKL: Everybody knows about kabaddi now. When I won an Asian Games medal, no one knew me. But now everyone knows me as the Bengaluru Bulls coach.
