Pro Kabaddi Season 12: A New Era of Competition
The 12th season of the Pro Kabaddi League has set a new benchmark for competitiveness in the world of kabaddi. This edition will be remembered for its intense battles, dramatic comebacks, and nail-biting finishes that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final raid.
Rise of Dabang Delhi K.C.
In a thrilling finale at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Dabang Delhi K.C. emerged victorious over Puneri Paltan with a score of 31–28, claiming their second PKL title. This win made them the first team since U Mumba in Season 2 to lift the trophy on home turf, showcasing their resilience and determination throughout the season.
Across the league, competition for Playoff spots was fierce with Patna Pirates making a remarkable climb from 12th to 7th place on the final day. Bengaluru Bulls also showcased their strength by finishing third after recovering from three early losses. Telugu Titans had a breakthrough season, reaching the Playoffs for the first time since Season 4. With historic firsts and new records being set, PKL 12 solidified its position as one of India’s most captivating sporting events.
Season 12: The Tightest Competition Yet
Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League redefined the word “competitive”. Nearly half of the matches, 53 out of 117, were decided by five points or fewer, with 14 games going into tiebreakers or last-minute finishes. The season witnessed over 20 instances of players scoring 20+ raid points in a single match, setting a new record. Nine different teams secured wins over top-four sides during the league phase, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the competition.
Comebacks of 10 points or more were recorded eight times, including a memorable 12-point turnaround by Patna Pirates against Dabang Delhi. The season also witnessed the first-ever Golden Raid in PKL history during the match between Dabang Delhi and Puneri Paltan.
Stellar Performances & Record Breakers
Season 12 was not only characterized by intense competition but also individual brilliance. Ayan Lohchab of Patna Pirates led all raiders with 316 raid points, becoming only the fifth player in PKL history to surpass 300 raid points in a single season. Devank achieved significant milestones, becoming the fastest player to reach 500 career raid points and the fastest to reach 200 raid points in a season.
Manpreet Singh made history by becoming the first coach to record 100 wins in PKL history, while Fazel Atrachali, captain of Dabang Delhi, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after crossing 550 career tackle points. International players also made their mark, with Alireza Mirzaian of Iran finishing with 197 raid points, the highest by any foreign player in PKL history.
A Season of Milestones and Moments
From Telugu Titans’ five consecutive wins to Haryana Steelers’ five-match losing streak, Season 12 was filled with milestones and memorable moments. Notable achievements included the fastest ALL OUT of the season in just 2 minutes and 53 seconds and Patna Pirates’ biggest victory margin of 35 points against Dabang Delhi.
Both Bengaluru Bulls and Dabang Delhi reached their 100th win, joining an elite group of six teams to achieve this milestone. The season also saw a doubling in the number of international athletes crossing the 100-point mark, reflecting kabaddi’s growing popularity globally.
Dabang Delhi: Champions of Season 12
Led by Ashu Malik and Fazel Atrachali, Dabang Delhi K.C. showcased composure under pressure and clear roles across the squad, resulting in their title win. Their championship campaign was built on collective temperament, trust, and execution in crunch situations, epitomizing the spirit of the most competitive PKL season yet. Head coach Joginder Narwal made history by winning the title both as a player and as a coach.
Reflecting on their successful season, captain Ashu Malik expressed, “Every match pushed us to our limit. We had to stay calm, trust each other, and keep fighting till the last raid. Lifting the trophy in front of our home fans is a very special feeling.”
Despite falling short in the final, Puneri Paltan’s captain Aslam Inamdar praised the aggressive and hard-fought nature of the season, emphasizing the unity and resilience of his team. He expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support.
Pro Kabaddi Season 12 has undoubtedly raised the bar for competitiveness in the sport, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what Season 13 has in store.
Evolution of Kabaddi as a Global Sport
With the success of Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League, the sport of kabaddi has continued to gain traction on a global scale. The league’s ability to attract international players and showcase their talent has played a significant role in popularizing kabaddi beyond India’s borders. Players from countries like Iran, South Korea, and Bangladesh have made their mark in the league, bringing diverse styles of play and adding to the competitive landscape.
International tournaments and leagues have emerged, further solidifying kabaddi’s status as a global sport. The Kabaddi World Cup, Asian Kabaddi Championship, and other international competitions have provided platforms for players to represent their countries and compete at the highest level. As kabaddi continues to gain popularity worldwide, the sport is poised for continued growth and expansion.
Rise of Women’s Kabaddi
While the Pro Kabaddi League has primarily focused on men’s kabaddi, there has been a growing interest in women’s kabaddi and efforts to promote the women’s game. Tournaments like the Women’s Kabaddi Challenge and the Women’s National Kabaddi Championship have provided female athletes with opportunities to showcase their skills and talent. With the success of women’s cricket and other sports in India, there is potential for women’s kabaddi to carve out its own space in the sporting landscape.
Investments in grassroots programs and initiatives to encourage more girls to take up kabaddi have been gaining momentum. By nurturing talent at the grassroots level and providing avenues for female athletes to pursue kabaddi professionally, the sport can achieve greater gender inclusivity and diversity in the future.
Technological Advancements in Kabaddi
As kabaddi evolves as a sport, technological advancements have played a crucial role in enhancing the viewing experience for fans and providing valuable insights for teams and players. The introduction of video assistant referees (VAR) in kabaddi has helped in making more accurate decisions during matches, reducing errors and controversies. Advanced analytics and performance tracking tools have also become integral in assessing player performance, strategizing matches, and improving overall team dynamics.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have been utilized to provide immersive experiences for fans, allowing them to feel closer to the action and engage with the sport in innovative ways. These technological innovations not only enhance the entertainment value of kabaddi but also contribute to the overall growth and professionalization of the sport.
Future of Pro Kabaddi League
Looking ahead, the Pro Kabaddi League is poised to continue its upward trajectory, with Season 13 expected to build upon the success of its predecessor. The league’s expansion into new markets, increased fan engagement through digital platforms, and strategic partnerships with global brands are all factors that will contribute to the league’s continued growth and success.
With the rise of new talents, the influx of international players, and the growing interest in kabaddi as a global sport, the Pro Kabaddi League is well-positioned to capture a larger audience and cement its status as one of India’s premier sporting events. As the league evolves and adapts to changing trends, fans can expect even more thrilling matches, iconic moments, and inspiring performances in the seasons to come.
By embracing innovation, promoting diversity, and nurturing talent, the Pro Kabaddi League is paving the way for a new era of competition and excitement in the world of kabaddi. As the sport continues to grow in popularity and reach new heights, the future looks bright for kabaddi enthusiasts and athletes alike.
