Akash Shinde: From Small Town Dreamer to Kabaddi Champion
Breaking barriers and reaching the highest stage of kabaddi, Maharashtra raider Akash Shinde is now aiming for another title as he leads a young team towards glory. Growing up in the small town of Nashik, Shinde had big dreams but no clear path to follow. No one from his district had ever made it to the national-level kabaddi before him. However, his determination and hard work have led him to become the Pro Kabaddi League season 10 champion.
Challenges Faced and Overcome
Reflecting on his journey, Shinde recalls the challenges he faced in the early days. He mentions, “No one in my family played kabaddi. It was more popular in my village, but no one from my district, Nashik, had played at the national level before. That made it a real challenge.” Despite the obstacles, Shinde trusted his process, kept working hard, and steadily improved his game.
After being bought by Bengaluru Bulls for INR 53.10 lakh during the PKL 12 Player Auction, Shinde is now ready to lead his new team towards success. He sees the hunger and determination in his young teammates, drawing parallels to another Bengaluru-based sports team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who ended a long trophy drought with a young squad.
Learning from Setbacks
Shinde’s journey was not without setbacks. He experienced a heartbreaking loss with Puneri Paltan in Season 9 of the Pro Kabaddi League. However, that loss only fueled his determination, leading to a sweet victory in PKL 10 where he also captained his team in the absence of the injured skipper.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from those experiences, Shinde emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure during crunch situations. He notes, “Obviously, those kinds of things provide you with experience and help you maintain composure during crunch situations.”
Belief and Support
Behind every successful player is a coach who believes in them. For Shinde, that coach is BC Ramesh, with whom he won the PKL in the landmark 10th season. Describing their relationship, Shinde says, “He is strict on the ground only. He treats all of us like his kids, like family members.” Having a coach who cares like family has made a significant difference in Shinde’s kabaddi journey.
As Shinde looks ahead to the upcoming season with Bengaluru Bulls, he is filled with excitement and confidence. He believes that with a young and determined team, they can replicate the success of RCB and emerge as champions in the PKL. With his experience, leadership, and unwavering dedication, Shinde is poised to make a significant impact in the world of kabaddi.
Stay tuned for more updates on Akash Shinde and Bengaluru Bulls as they embark on their journey towards kabaddi glory.
Embracing the Limelight
As Akash Shinde’s popularity grows in the world of kabaddi, he finds himself becoming a role model for aspiring players from small towns across India. His journey from Nashik to the national stage serves as an inspiration to those who lack access to top-notch training facilities or renowned coaches. Shinde’s success showcases that with dedication, hard work, and belief in oneself, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background.
Despite the pressure that comes with being a champion, Shinde remains grounded and focused on his game. He understands the importance of staying humble and continually improving to maintain his position as a top raider in the league. His work ethic and commitment to excellence have earned him respect not only from his teammates and coaches but also from fans and fellow competitors.
Community Impact
Shinde’s success has not only impacted him personally but has also brought pride and joy to the people of Nashik. His achievements have put his hometown on the map, shining a light on the talent that exists in smaller towns and villages across India. Youngsters in Nashik now look up to Shinde as a beacon of hope, showing them that with determination and perseverance, they too can make it big in the world of sports.
Recognizing the impact he has on his community, Shinde actively participates in local kabaddi clinics and workshops to nurture young talent and give back to the place that shaped him. By sharing his knowledge and experiences, he hopes to inspire the next generation of kabaddi players and contribute to the growth of the sport in Nashik and beyond.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Akash Shinde’s ambitions extend beyond individual accolades and team victories. He envisions a future where kabaddi gains even more recognition on the global stage, competing with other popular sports for attention and support. Shinde hopes to be a part of this transformation, using his platform as a champion to raise awareness about kabaddi and attract a wider audience to the sport.
Additionally, Shinde aims to establish a kabaddi academy in Nashik to provide aspiring players with the necessary resources and guidance to hone their skills. By creating opportunities for young kabaddi enthusiasts in his hometown, Shinde seeks to build a sustainable talent pipeline that can produce future champions and keep the spirit of the game alive in Nashik for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Akash Shinde’s journey from a small town dreamer to a kabaddi champion is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and belief in oneself. His story serves as a beacon of hope for all those who dare to dream big and work hard to turn their aspirations into reality. As Shinde continues to make strides in his kabaddi career and inspire others along the way, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever.
Follow Akash Shinde’s inspiring journey and stay updated on Bengaluru Bulls’ quest for kabaddi glory as they strive to conquer new heights in the world of Indian sports.
