Bengal Warriorz coach confident as team strengthens raiding unit for PKL Season 12
Bengal Warriorz coach Naveen Kumar says the team has built a young and balanced squad for PKL Season 12, strengthening the raiding unit. He praised Devank Dalal and emphasized the role of fans in motivating players.
HYDERABAD: Bengal Warriorz coach Naveen Kumar said that they had built a young team and included quite a few new players this season.
“We have assessed and scouted players from different places, and also added a few experienced names to balance the squad,” Naveen said during Media Day chat on JuoHotstar.
” We bought Devank Dalal at a high price, and he will be an important player for us along with the youngsters. We are working on the mistakes we made last season, using our training, tactics, and techniques to improve,” he said.
“Last time, our defence was strong, but our raiding unit was a little weak. This season, we have strengthened our raiding unit as well. The team will definitely do well, and we are determined to achieve what we could not in the last four years,” Naveen explained.
On how kabaddi has changed over the years, Naveen said earlier, it used to be necessary to play for the national team or a Government department team to compete at a higher level.
“But now, there’s no need to go anywhere. Academies, teams, and organizations scout players directly from their home grounds, local tournaments, or national competitions, whether junior or senior,” he said.
“Management and coaches keep an eye on these tournaments to spot talent for the NYP (New Young Player) category. When new players arrive in the PKL, it takes a little time to adjust,” Naveen said.
“Some exceptionally talented players come in and immediately make a name for themselves, while others gradually settle in and build their careers,” he said.
On the importance of fans, Naveen said the game depended a lot on the fans. “The more support a player and team receive, the more motivated they become. A player can only perform at his best when his fans are with him, cheering and motivating him,” he said.
On PKL as an influential platform to promote kabaddi, Naveen said PKL had changed a lot and taken kabaddi to the next level. “It has given our players recognition and fame. PKL has transformed the sport from the soil (mitti) to the mat. Today, everyone in the country recognizes kabaddi and its teams,” Naveen said.
