From Village Fields to Kabaddi Glory: The Inspiring Journey of Arjun Deshwal
Arjun Deshwal is a name synonymous with excellence in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Today, he's an inspiration to aspiring kabaddi players across India, but his journey to the top wasn't always on a kabaddi mat.
Born in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, Arjun Deshwal, like many youngsters, initially gravitated towards cricket. However, the sight of village boys returning victorious from kabaddi tournaments sparked a curiosity in him. At the age of 11, he decided to give kabaddi a try, and that decision proved to be life-changing.
Deshwal's swift movements, explosive bursts of energy, and deceptive fakes on the field quickly made him stand out raider. By 14, he was already showcasing his talent at the U-16 Nationals while representing his school. His dedication only grew stronger, and he went on to represent Uttar Pradesh at the Senior Nationals and later even played at the Uttrakhand State-level National match.
Deshwal's talent was undeniable, and he even received offers from the army based on the kabaddi quota. However, his sights were set firmly on becoming a kabaddi star. He declined these offers and eventually joined the army through a different route, all while continuing to hone his kabaddi skills under the guidance of his coaches, Bhupinder Singh and Dharminder Singh.
His hard work and perseverance finally paid off in 2018 when he signed his first PKL contract with U Mumba. However, an injury restricted him to just three games in his debut season. The following year, though, Deshwal showcased his true potential, scoring 104 raid points for U Mumba and announcing his arrival on the big stage.
Deshwal's talent didn't go unnoticed. In the season 8 auction, the Jaipur Pink Panthers recognized his potential and secured his services for a whopping INR 96 lakh. This was a big gamble on a young player, but Deshwal proved his worth. He emerged as the team's top raider with 267 raid points, finishing second only to Pawan Sehrawat in the overall raid points leaderboard.
The next season was truly remarkable for Deshwal. He led the Jaipur Pink Panthers to their second PKL title, their first in over a decade. He was the star raider of the team, amassing a season-high 296 raid points and rightfully claiming the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His exceptional performances on the national stage also earned him a spot on the Indian national team, where he secured gold medals at the Asian Games 2022 and the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023.
Deshwal's hometown took immense pride in his achievements. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh even honored him with the title of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). While Season 10 of PKL saw him as the joint top scorer with 276 raid points, the Panthers fell short of reclaiming the title.
However, setbacks don't define Deshwal. He uses them as fuel to push himself further. As the next PKL season approaches, one thing is certain: Arjun Deshwal's spectacular kabaddi journey is far from over. We can expect him to continue dazzling audiences with his exceptional skills and unwavering determination.
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