Yuva Kabaddi Series: A story of empowerment and opportunity

As the curtains came down on the auctions for season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), an interesting data point emerged - an incredible 88 players from the Yuva Kabaddi Series (YKS) will now be seen on the PKL mat.

Introduced in 2022, the YKS has brought a new dynamic to the PKL, which has long been a wellspring of talent on its own.

Since its inception, YKS has clearly committed to developing new talent, and the outcomes are nothing short of astounding.

A steady rise

The growth of YKS's influence is undeniable. The jump from 50 players in PKL’s Season 10 to 88 in Season 11 is a testament to YKS’s success in identifying and developing raw talent.

And this isn't just a numbers game, it is also about providing opportunities and changing lives.

Interestingly, 35 YKS players are being retained by PKL franchises, including standout names like Aditya Shinde, Ashu Malik, Prafull Zaware, Sudhakar, and Shivam Patare.

Moreover, the signing of 24 ‘new young players’ by the PKL franchisees from the YKS pool, is a clear indication that the YKS players are valued and seen as future kabaddi stars.

Ashu Malik is one such player who emerged from YKS in 2022 and went on to showcase his raiding skills in the PKL. Playing for Dabang Delhi, Malik scored 59 raid points to take Delhi to their maiden championship in the PKL- Season 8.

Since that breakthrough season, Malik has been a transformed player. Last season, he was the joint-highest raid point scorer of the PKL with 276 points and the best raider overall with a staggering 228 successful raids.

The recently concluded auction of PKL season 11 saw 16 new players from the YKS pool (signed/picked) who will be making their PKL debut this season. Overall, 40 new players will be featuring in PKL Season 11.

Notably, Arjun Anil Rathi, the most successful raider in YKS history was the most expensive player in category D of PKL’s auction, going for 41 lakhs to the Bengal Warriorz.

Arjun can be the next big player at the PKL as he is by far the best raider in the YKS circuit, having amassed a staggering 593 raid points in just 53 matches.

Apart from Rathi, a few other YKS players who turned heads at the PKL auctions are Krishan Dhull (picked to Telugu Titans for 70L), Jai Bhagwan (who went to Bengaluru Bulls for 63L), Mohit Kaler (sold to Puneri Paltan for 20L) and Stuwart Singh (bought by U Mumba for 14.2L).

YKS's impact extends beyond the players themselves.

In addition to providing an opportunity for young players to showcase their skills, the vision that YKS ensures that kabaddi is promoted throughout the country and all around the year.

What’s more, it has created a ripple effect, inspiring countless aspiring kabaddi players across India. It has shown them that with hard work, dedication, and the right platform, their dreams can become a reality. In doing so, the tournament has instilled a sense of hope whilst fueling the passion for kabaddi at the grassroots level.

And the impact is being acknowledged by PKL stakeholders.

A vote of Confidence

As Suhail Chandhok, CEO of U Mumba, notes that YKS has added value to their squad.

"We have had a lot of Yuva players in our squad before, and the leadership that was required, we have got that as well in Sunil Kumar, Manjeet & Rinku. So we have gotten better as with Yuva players, we also have a bunch of Senior players now."

This blend of youth and experience is a winning formula, and coaches are putting their faith in these rising stars.

Narender Redhu, coach of Patna Pirates, highlights his trust in previous YKS players.

"We have previous edition’s ‘new young players’ in Sudhakar and Sandeep Kumar and they performed well in the last season, and we are going to put our faith and trust in them," he said.

Praveen Yadav, the assistant coach of Bengal Warriors, echoed similar sentiments.

"Maninder and Nitin’s raiding combination has been a hit for us in the last edition as well. And we have picked Arjun Rathi. We are confident that our recruit Arjun will do well too."

Meanwhile, Ram Meher Singh, coach of Gujarat Giants, reflected on the passion that drives these youngsters.

"I believe that every youngster has some junoon or a goal, that he wants to be seen on the television or he wants to become a star and show the world what I am capable of.

“Usmei ek jazba aur bhook hoti hai' (The athlete has immense passion and hunger), " added Singh.

A bright future beckons

Clearly, YKS isn't just a stepping stone, it's a launching pad that propels a new generation of kabaddi stars into the spotlight. And the PKL is lapping up these aspirants.

With PKL's 11th season approaching, the journey for the youngsters transitioning from YKS to PKL is an inspiring story of perseverance and tells the tale of transformation that is possible with proper grassroots development.

YKS has not only brought new talent to PKL but has also given hope to countless aspiring kabaddi players across the country. And in doing so, the league has instilled a sense of hope and possibility and sparked a passion for kabaddi at the grassroots level.

The story of YKS is one of empowerment, opportunity, and unwavering spirit in Indian kabaddi. And it is a story that will continue to unfold in future seasons while inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

And as we eagerly await the start of Season 11, one thing is certain - thanks to the YKS, the future of Kabaddi is in good hands.