PKL Season 1 MVP Anup Kumar Reflects on How Pro Kabaddi League Transformed Players' Lives

With its roots in India, kabaddi has always held a special place in the hearts of its people. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), introduced nine years ago, has taken the game to new heights, captivating fans worldwide. The league organizers brought unique innovations to the sport, presenting it brilliantly on television. Over the years, PKL has not only garnered millions of followers but also transformed players into revered role models.

As PKL gears up for its historic tenth season, it's time to celebrate the remarkable journey. To commemorate the landmark edition, PKL is revisiting some of its most unforgettable moments through the "PKL MVP's Special Memories" content series. Players who have been honoured with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award will share their experiences of how PKL has positively impacted their lives.

Anup Kumar, the MVP award winner in PKL's inaugural season, fondly reminisced about how the league has bestowed a unique identity upon kabaddi players. He stated, "Money is not the only measure of success. A player's identity is shaped by their performance and character. PKL has given us that identity. Today, we are recognized and appreciated by people wherever we go. This recognition has been the most significant change in my life."

Recalling the pressure during the league's inception in 2014, Anup Kumar admitted that the players were determined to make PKL a resounding success. The fear of PKL facing closure if the first season didn't perform well motivated them to put in extra effort. Consequently, players and coaches alike worked tirelessly to ensure a memorable debut season.

As the anticipation builds for the PKL Season 10 Player Auction, scheduled for September, former PKL star Anup Kumar expressed his hope that deserving players would attract substantial bids. He cited Pawan Sehrawat, who crossed the INR 2 crore mark in the previous season, as an example. Anup wished that the top 20-25 players would receive significant financial appreciation for their exceptional performances.

When asked about his most cherished moment in his PKL journey, Anup Kumar beamed while recalling U Mumba's triumph in the second season. The exhilaration of lifting the trophy surpassed even the joy of winning the MVP award in Season 1.

The PKL Season 10 Player Auction is set to take place in Mumbai from 8th to 9th September 2023. Fans eagerly await the announcement of the tournament's schedule, anticipating yet another exhilarating season of kabaddi action. As the league embarks on its tenth edition, it stands as a testament to the sport's growth and the immense passion it continues to ignite among fans worldwide.