Why big stars like Pawan Sehrawat, Naveen Kumar, Maninder Singh are not part of UPKL

The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) is underway from 11 July and will continue to enthrall fans till August 25. While some PKL stars like Arjun Deshwal and Sahul Kumar are lighting up the UPKL, fans might be curious about the absence of big names like Maninder Singh, Pardeep Narwal, Pawan Sehrawat, and Naveen Kumar.

The answer lies in the core purpose of the UPKL: to nurture local kabaddi talent.

Unlike the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), the UPKL isn't about established stars. It's a platform specifically designed to give aspiring kabaddi players from Uttar Pradesh a chance to shine. Imagine it as a stepping stone to the big leagues. Here, young athletes can showcase their skills, gain experience in competitive matches, and potentially catch the eye of PKL scouts.

Including big names like Pardeep Narwal or Pawan Sehrawat would overshadow the entire purpose of the UPKL. Their presence would naturally draw the spotlight, making it difficult for lesser-known players to get noticed. The UPKL wants to provide a fair chance for local talent to develop and showcase their abilities.

By focusing on local players, the UPKL is essentially investing in the future of kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh. These young athletes will be the ones who carry the torch forward, potentially representing the state and even India on a national and international stage someday.

The UPKL isn't just about competition; it's also a gateway to the much-awaited PKL auctions. Talented players who impress in the UPKL will be on the radar of PKL team coaches and management. These players could be the next big finds, potentially getting picked up in the PKL auctions and playing alongside their kabaddi idols.

The UPKL's focus on local players benefits everyone involved. Here's how:

• Young Players: They get a platform to showcase their talent, gain experience, and potentially earn a shot at the PKL.
• UP Kabaddi: The sport flourishes at the state level with a strong pool of homegrown talent.
• PKL Teams: They gain access to a pool of scouted and tested players, potentially unearthing future stars.
• Kabaddi Fans: They get to witness the rise of promising new players who could become future national heroes.

So, the next time you watch the UPKL, remember, it's not about established stars. It's about witnessing the raw talent of young kabaddi players chasing their dreams. The UPKL is their platform, their chance to shine, and potentially take the first steps towards PKL glory.