Happy Birthday, Mohammadreza Shadlou Chiyaneh: Celebrating ‘Raid Terminator’ Rise to Kabaddi Stardom
Today, May 14th, marks the birthday of a kabaddi powerhouse - the fearless Iranian defender, Mohammadreza Shadlou Chiyaneh. This aggressive player boasts an impressive career filled with record-breaking achievements and a dedication that has inspired countless aspiring kabaddi players.
Chiyaneh's journey began at the young age of 12 in Iran. While initially drawn to wrestling and volleyball, a chance encounter with kabaddi through a friend completely changed his sporting destiny. The raw power and minimal restrictions of kabaddi resonated deeply with the young athlete who possessed a natural passion for contact sports. This fascination fueled his rapid improvement, eventually catching the eye of his idol, Iran's national coach Gholamreza Mazandarani.
By 2018, Chiyaneh's talent had fully blossomed, earning him a coveted spot in the Iran kabaddi league. A minor setback prevented him from representing his nation at the 2018 Asian Games. A few years later, he rose to the occasion, captaining Iran to a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Kabaddi Championship. His leadership and defensive power played a crucial role in Iran's gold medal victory at the inaugural Junior World Kabaddi Championship in 2019.
Mohammadreza Chiyaneh's reputation as a star in the making preceded him when he entered the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in 2021. He shattered records at the PKL 8 Player Auction, becoming the most expensive foreign player after being acquired by the Patna Pirates for a staggering INR 31 lakh.
Unlike many rookies, Chiyaneh seamlessly adapted to the high-intensity environment of the PKL. His exceptional talent shone brightly as he bagged a High 5 in just his second match, an impressive 7 tackle points against the U.P. Yoddhas. While his team ultimately fell short of the championship title that season, Chiyaneh etched his name in history by becoming the first debutant to score the most tackle points (89) in a single season. This stellar performance further solidified his position as a defensive powerhouse, earning him the coveted title of Top Defender of the Season.
Retained by the Patna Pirates for the following season, Chiyaneh continued to dominate the mat with another impressive display, securing 84 tackle points throughout the campaign. His aggressive yet strategic style continued to evolve, culminating in a record-breaking performance during Season 9. In a match against Dabang Delhi K.C., Chiyaneh executed a staggering 8 Super Tackles - the highest number ever achieved by a single player in a PKL match.
Chiyaneh's exceptional talent and growing reputation as a defensive maestro made him a highly sought-after player at the Season 10 Player Auction. This time, the Puneri Paltan secured his services, making him the costliest foreign player in PKL history with a record-breaking bid of INR 2.35 crore.
Living up to the hefty price tag, Chiyaneh proved to be an invaluable asset for the Paltan. His aggressive defensive style effectively neutralized opposing raiders, leading the team to their first-ever PKL title. Chiyaneh's individual contribution throughout the season remained paramount (99 Tackle points), securing him the Best Defender of the Season award for the second time.
Today, as Chiyaneh celebrates his birthday, he stands tall as an inspiration not only for aspiring kabaddi players in Iran but for kabaddi enthusiasts worldwide. His dedication, aggressive playing style, and versatility as both a defender and occasional raider have redefined the sport. With his relatively young age, Chiyaneh has the potential to reach even greater heights and solidify his legacy as one of kabaddi's all-time greats.
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