The Haryana Steelers have added another major milestone to their success story by being named Franchise of the Year at the recently concluded CII Sports Business Awards 2025, according to a release. A strong squad in Season 11, inspired by coach Manpreet Singh, and standout players including Mohammadreza Shadloui, Shivam Patare, Rahul Sethpal, and Jaideep Dahiya formed the backbone of the championship run. The club's high-performance programme is built on sports science, data-driven recruitment, and a clear pathway through the Steelers Academy and its centres in Rohtak and Jhajjar. Beyond the mat, the Steelers' work in the community has grown deeper.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/most-test-wickets-as-captain-imran-cummins-benaud-sobers-vettori-1766400790984">Next to Imran Khan! Pat Cummins now has second most Test wickets as captain - Check full list</a> The Udaan programme in Panipat, which now engages more than 160 school children, has introduced kabaddi as a space for confidence-building, life skills, and conversations around gender and equality. Meanwhile, the School and Academy Contact Programme across Noida and Hyderabad has crossed 500 children, opening doors for young athletes who may not otherwise have considered the sport. This season also marked a shift in how the team told its stories. Through the second edition of the Faulad documentary, the Haryana Steelers Magazine Cover, and campaigns blending local music, style, and kabaddi culture, the franchise found a new voice. One that resonated strongly with young fans. That connection carried over online as well, with the Steelers becoming the fastest-growing PKL franchise on Instagram and YouTube, leading the league in views and overall engagement. The team garnered over 420M video views and 30M+ engagements, and also adopted a creator-led approach to reach new audiences and fans. Partnerships such as the Chhota Bheem collaboration, Stage OTT's Haryanvi Kaksha, and work with regional creators helped the team reach deeper into Haryana than ever before. The Season 11 trophy tour across Hisar and Rohtak, a girls' kabaddi showcase, live digital interactions, and merchandise giveaways turned the win into a shared celebration across the state. Speaking about the award, Divyanshu Singh, CEO of Haryana Steelers and JSW Sports, said: "Honestly, this one means a lot because it captures the kind of year we've had. Winning the title was huge, of course, but what really struck us was how people connected with the team; whether it was through the Faulad film, the music and culture around our campaigns, or just the way the boys carried themselves all season." "Our digital growth surprised us too; it showed that fans weren't just watching, they were travelling with us every step. And then there's the work with children in Panipat, Noida, Hyderabad... watching them open up, try new things, and challenge old ideas through kabaddi has been incredibly grounding. If we've managed to make people proud of Haryana and given young kids something to aspire to, that's a bigger win than any trophy. Ultimately, the endeavour and mission is to operate like a year-round club in Indian kabaddi." As the franchise steps into the next phase of its journey, aiming to capture more titles in the coming years and provide a steady pipeline of talent to Indian Kabaadi, this award will energise the squad and the backend team to continue to excel both on and off the mat.

A strong squad in Season 11, inspired by coach Manpreet Singh, and standout players including Mohammadreza Shadloui, Shivam Patare, Rahul Sethpal, and Jaideep Dahiya formed the backbone of the championship run.

The Haryana Steelers have added another major milestone to their success story by being named Franchise of the Year at the recently concluded CII Sports Business Awards 2025, according to a release. A strong squad in Season 11, inspired by coach Manpreet Singh, and standout players including Mohammadreza Shadloui, Shivam Patare, Rahul Sethpal, and Jaideep Dahiya formed the backbone of the championship run. The club's high-performance programme is built on sports science, data-driven recruitment, and a clear pathway through the Steelers Academy and its centres in Rohtak and Jhajjar. Beyond the mat, the Steelers' work in the community has grown deeper. Also Read - Next to Imran Khan! Pat Cummins now has second most Test wickets as captain - Check full list The Udaan programme in Panipat, which now engages more than 160 school children, has introduced kabaddi as a space for confidence-building, life skills, and conversations around gender and equality. Meanwhile, the School and Academy Contact Programme across Noida and Hyderabad has crossed 500 children, opening doors for young athletes who may not otherwise have considered the sport. This season also marked a shift in how the team told its stories. Through the second edition of the Faulad documentary, the Haryana Steelers Magazine Cover, and campaigns blending local music, style, and kabaddi culture, the franchise found a new voice. One that resonated strongly with young fans. That connection carried over online as well, with the Steelers becoming the fastest-growing PKL franchise on Instagram and YouTube, leading the league in views and overall engagement. The team garnered over 420M video views and 30M+ engagements, and also adopted a creator-led approach to reach new audiences and fans. Partnerships such as the Chhota Bheem collaboration, Stage OTT's Haryanvi Kaksha, and work with regional creators helped the team reach deeper into Haryana than ever before. The Season 11 trophy tour across Hisar and Rohtak, a girls' kabaddi showcase, live digital interactions, and merchandise giveaways turned the win into a shared celebration across the state. Speaking about the award, Divyanshu Singh, CEO of Haryana Steelers and JSW Sports, said: "Honestly, this one means a lot because it captures the kind of year we've had. Winning the title was huge, of course, but what really struck us was how people connected with the team; whether it was through the Faulad film, the music and culture around our campaigns, or just the way the boys carried themselves all season." "Our digital growth surprised us too; it showed that fans weren't just watching, they were travelling with us every step. And then there's the work with children in Panipat, Noida, Hyderabad... watching them open up, try new things, and challenge old ideas through kabaddi has been incredibly grounding. If we've managed to make people proud of Haryana and given young kids something to aspire to, that's a bigger win than any trophy. Ultimately, the endeavour and mission is to operate like a year-round club in Indian kabaddi." As the franchise steps into the next phase of its journey, aiming to capture more titles in the coming years and provide a steady pipeline of talent to Indian Kabaadi, this award will energise the squad and the backend team to continue to excel both on and off the mat.

A strong squad in Season 11, inspired by coach Manpreet Singh, and standout players including Mohammadreza Shadloui, Shivam Patare, Rahul Sethpal, and Jaideep Dahiya formed the backbone of the championship run.

Pro Kabaddi League 11 champion Haryana Steelers named 'Franchise of the Year' at CII Sports Business Awards 2025

When U Mumba take the mat in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League on August 30, they will do so wearing a special jersey paying tribute to their iconic 2015 championship triumph. Launched on Friday (Aug 22) to mark the 10-year anniversary of that maiden title. The jersey symbolises one of the league’s most dominant campaigns while also heralding a new era of fitness-driven preparation.&nbsp;To commemorate this milestone, U Mumba unveiled a Season 12 jersey inspired by the iconic Season 2 championship kit. The design stays true to the team’s orange-and-black identity while weaving in modern elements, including a nod to Mumbai’s Airport, symbolising a bridge between past triumphs and future ambitions. Alongside the tribute, the franchise signalled its forward drive, investing in a fierce new fitness push through an intensive 50-day pre-season camp to prepare the team for the upcoming campaign, the longest in the team's history.&nbsp;That camp, led by strength and conditioning coach Pratiek Ninawe–a former international sprinter uniquely bringing sprint mechanics and explosive movement science into multiple sports–was built to turn raw strength into match-day impact. Players began with mobility and assessment work to fix individual gaps, before stepping up to strength drills that pushed them past the 110 kg squat mark, endurance sessions to build engine, and sprint work to sharpen agility and explosive power.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;“Although I wasn’t part of the 2015 campaign, that victory led by Anup Kumar is etched in kabaddi history and remains a huge source of inspiration for us. Wearing a jersey that pays tribute to that triumph reminds us of the standards U Mumba has always set. As captain, my focus is on carrying forward that legacy with this new group, combining the experience of our seniors with the energy of our youngsters, and chasing our second PKL title this season,” Sunil Kumar, captain of U Mumba, said during the presser.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a>&nbsp;“The Season 2 championship was a breakthrough. It validated the commercial and cultural potential of kabaddi at a national scale. For us at U Mumba, it underlined the importance of building professional structures, investing in people and approaching sport with the same rigor as any other business. It was one of the most memorable runs in the League's history and a decade later, that win still shapes our approach: sustainable growth, long-term value creation and leaving behind a legacy that goes beyond trophies,” team owner Ronnie Screwvala added.&nbsp;With a record 111 league-stage wins and three consecutive finals in their first three seasons, U Mumba’s legacy runs deeper than results. The franchise has been a factory for homegrown talent, many of whom have gone on to represent India, while also driving kabaddi’s rise across the country. Now, that tradition of shaping the sport extends to how the game is played physically, pioneering modern fitness methods rarely seen in kabaddi. By pairing its player development track record with cutting-edge conditioning, U Mumba is setting new standards for preparation and performance in the league.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

With a record 111 league-stage wins and three consecutive finals in their first three seasons, U Mumba’s legacy runs deeper than results. 

When U Mumba take the mat in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League on August 30, they will do so wearing a special jersey paying tribute to their iconic 2015 championship triumph. Launched on Friday (Aug 22) to mark the 10-year anniversary of that maiden title. The jersey symbolises one of the league’s most dominant campaigns while also heralding a new era of fitness-driven preparation. To commemorate this milestone, U Mumba unveiled a Season 12 jersey inspired by the iconic Season 2 championship kit. The design stays true to the team’s orange-and-black identity while weaving in modern elements, including a nod to Mumbai’s Airport, symbolising a bridge between past triumphs and future ambitions. Alongside the tribute, the franchise signalled its forward drive, investing in a fierce new fitness push through an intensive 50-day pre-season camp to prepare the team for the upcoming campaign, the longest in the team's history. That camp, led by strength and conditioning coach Pratiek Ninawe–a former international sprinter uniquely bringing sprint mechanics and explosive movement science into multiple sports–was built to turn raw strength into match-day impact. Players began with mobility and assessment work to fix individual gaps, before stepping up to strength drills that pushed them past the 110 kg squat mark, endurance sessions to build engine, and sprint work to sharpen agility and explosive power. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details “Although I wasn’t part of the 2015 campaign, that victory led by Anup Kumar is etched in kabaddi history and remains a huge source of inspiration for us. Wearing a jersey that pays tribute to that triumph reminds us of the standards U Mumba has always set. As captain, my focus is on carrying forward that legacy with this new group, combining the experience of our seniors with the energy of our youngsters, and chasing our second PKL title this season,” Sunil Kumar, captain of U Mumba, said during the presser. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out “The Season 2 championship was a breakthrough. It validated the commercial and cultural potential of kabaddi at a national scale. For us at U Mumba, it underlined the importance of building professional structures, investing in people and approaching sport with the same rigor as any other business. It was one of the most memorable runs in the League's history and a decade later, that win still shapes our approach: sustainable growth, long-term value creation and leaving behind a legacy that goes beyond trophies,” team owner Ronnie Screwvala added. With a record 111 league-stage wins and three consecutive finals in their first three seasons, U Mumba’s legacy runs deeper than results. The franchise has been a factory for homegrown talent, many of whom have gone on to represent India, while also driving kabaddi’s rise across the country. Now, that tradition of shaping the sport extends to how the game is played physically, pioneering modern fitness methods rarely seen in kabaddi. By pairing its player development track record with cutting-edge conditioning, U Mumba is setting new standards for preparation and performance in the league. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

With a record 111 league-stage wins and three consecutive finals in their first three seasons, U Mumba’s legacy runs deeper than results.&nbsp;

Pro Kabaddi League: U Mumba unveil season 12 jersey paying homage to title win

When the gavel came down at this year’s Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) auction and Pardeep Narwal’s name went unsold, it felt like the end of an era. For over a decade, the “Dubki King” had been the face of modern kabaddi—rewriting raiding records, pulling teams back from the brink, and becoming the sport’s first true superstar. But as PKL enters its 12th season on August 29, the unsold status of Narwal is a stark reminder that the league, much like the game itself, waits for no one.<h2>The youth wave takes over</h2>The upcoming season will feature 137 matches across four cities, and while the familiar names of Naveen Kumar, Pawan Sehrawat, and Fazel Atrachali will still draw cheers, it is the younger generation that franchises are betting big on. Players from the Yuva Kabaddi Series and the under-23 pool fetched surprisingly high bids, underscoring how talent pipelines are now central to PKL’s future. This generational handover isn’t just about age—it’s about style. The traditional “power raider” image is giving way to quicker, more versatile players who can both raid and defend. Teams are consciously building multi-utility line-ups, preparing for the marathon of two months where flexibility often outshines brute force.<h2>The new power centres</h2>Historically, PKL’s narrative has been dominated by certain franchises—Patna Pirates during Narwal’s prime, Bengaluru Bulls with Pawan Sehrawat, or Dabang Delhi’s fairytale with Naveen Kumar. But Season 12 feels more open than ever. Teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers and Tamil Thalaivas have invested in young, athletic squads. U Mumba, once the powerhouse of the early seasons, is attempting a reset too. What this means is unpredictability. Fans might not see one team or one player bossing the season in the way Narwal once did. Instead, the spotlight may be shared by a cluster of breakout stars who redefine how kabaddi is played.&nbsp;Beyond the mat, the league has cemented itself as more than just a domestic tournament. PKL was instrumental in taking kabaddi from rural grounds to primetime television. Season after season, it has blended folk roots with glitzy packaging, ensuring kabaddi sits comfortably alongside cricket and football in India’s sporting calendar. But the challenge for Season 12 is to keep that cultural moment alive. The nostalgia of Narwal, Rahul Chaudhari, and Ajay Thakur once brought millions of viewers. Can the new generation inspire the same loyalty? The league’s future depends on it.<h2>What lies ahead?</h2>The absence of some big names may feel like a void, but it also creates space for stories waiting to be told. Every season of PKL has thrown up unlikely heroes—be it Surender Nada’s defensive walls, Naveen Kumar’s meteoric rise, or Pawan Sehrawat’s “hi-flyer” exploits. Season 12, in many ways, feels like a clean slate. If kabaddi’s first decade of stardom belonged to legends like Pardeep Narwal, the next one will belong to youngsters still learning to shoulder that legacy. PKL 12 is not just another season—it is the season that decides whether kabaddi can regenerate its superstars and sustain its mass appeal.&nbsp;And that’s why, when the whistle blows on August 29, it won’t just be a game of raids and tackles. It will be a referendum on the future of India’s homegrown sport.

The league of the new heroes: Why PKL season 12 feels different?

When the gavel came down at this year’s Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) auction and Pardeep Narwal’s name went unsold, it felt like the end of an era. For over a decade, the “Dubki King” had been the face of modern kabaddi—rewriting raiding records, pulling teams back from the brink, and becoming the sport’s first true superstar. But as PKL enters its 12th season on August 29, the unsold status of Narwal is a stark reminder that the league, much like the game itself, waits for no one. The youth wave takes over The upcoming season will feature 137 matches across four cities, and while the familiar names of Naveen Kumar, Pawan Sehrawat, and Fazel Atrachali will still draw cheers, it is the younger generation that franchises are betting big on. Players from the Yuva Kabaddi Series and the under-23 pool fetched surprisingly high bids, underscoring how talent pipelines are now central to PKL’s future. This generational handover isn’t just about age—it’s about style. The traditional “power raider” image is giving way to quicker, more versatile players who can both raid and defend. Teams are consciously building multi-utility line-ups, preparing for the marathon of two months where flexibility often outshines brute force. The new power centres Historically, PKL’s narrative has been dominated by certain franchises—Patna Pirates during Narwal’s prime, Bengaluru Bulls with Pawan Sehrawat, or Dabang Delhi’s fairytale with Naveen Kumar. But Season 12 feels more open than ever. Teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers and Tamil Thalaivas have invested in young, athletic squads. U Mumba, once the powerhouse of the early seasons, is attempting a reset too. What this means is unpredictability. Fans might not see one team or one player bossing the season in the way Narwal once did. Instead, the spotlight may be shared by a cluster of breakout stars who redefine how kabaddi is played. Beyond the mat, the league has cemented itself as more than just a domestic tournament. PKL was instrumental in taking kabaddi from rural grounds to primetime television. Season after season, it has blended folk roots with glitzy packaging, ensuring kabaddi sits comfortably alongside cricket and football in India’s sporting calendar. But the challenge for Season 12 is to keep that cultural moment alive. The nostalgia of Narwal, Rahul Chaudhari, and Ajay Thakur once brought millions of viewers. Can the new generation inspire the same loyalty? The league’s future depends on it. What lies ahead? The absence of some big names may feel like a void, but it also creates space for stories waiting to be told. Every season of PKL has thrown up unlikely heroes—be it Surender Nada’s defensive walls, Naveen Kumar’s meteoric rise, or Pawan Sehrawat’s “hi-flyer” exploits. Season 12, in many ways, feels like a clean slate. If kabaddi’s first decade of stardom belonged to legends like Pardeep Narwal, the next one will belong to youngsters still learning to shoulder that legacy. PKL 12 is not just another season—it is the season that decides whether kabaddi can regenerate its superstars and sustain its mass appeal. And that’s why, when the whistle blows on August 29, it won’t just be a game of raids and tackles. It will be a referendum on the future of India’s homegrown sport.

The upcoming season of the Pro Kabaddi League is set to commence on August 29. Telugu Titans will lock horns against Tamil Thalaivas at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor stadium, Hyderabad

In the hustling and bustling streets of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, a young boy with his tough-skinned hands and burning dreams once scrubbed hotel floors. Today, he wears the captain’s armband for Puneri Paltan, the winners of Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), and a gold medal around his neck from the 2023 Asian Games. This is the remarkable journey of Aslam Inamdar—a story of determination, hard-work and unflinching love that he had for the game.&nbsp;Aslam’s life has never followed a script of comfort. After losing his father in 2011, the family's financial situation plummeted. “There was no stability at home,” he recalled in an exclusive interview with WION ahead of Season 12 of the PKL. “My mother and brother were my only support. My brother joined the police force, but I didn’t even have a coach to push me.”&nbsp;With little to no financial backing, Aslam chased his kabaddi dreams while taking up odd jobs—most notably as a hotel cleaner. He would save every rupee to attend local matches and prize competitions. His determination was tested further in 2015 when a broken leg—literally—threatened his career. “I had no money for surgery,” he said. “I survived on painkillers for months, with water leaking into our home during the rainy season. That was the toughest phase of my life.”&nbsp;But the adverse circumstances didn’t break him—it built him. His passion saw him climb through the ranks, joining the Services team, then making it into the PKL with Puneri Paltan. “There were no shortcuts. Only hard work, discipline, and consistency,” he asserted.&nbsp;Aslam’s breakout came in Season 9 of the PKL, where he was appointed as the vice-captain. Watching veteran player like Fazel Atrachali lead the team gave him an education in leadership—one he would soon put to use. By Season 10, he was the captain. And not just any captain—he became the architect behind Puneri Paltan’s maiden PKL title. “Everyone in the team had a different mindset, ego, or attitude. My role was to unify them. I told them—whatever happens, we will stay together.”&nbsp;After a loss to Haryana Steelers early in the season, team owner Jai Kotak expressed disappointment. That became Aslam’s turning point. “I promised him that from now on, he’d witness a new history being written.” He enforced discipline—confiscating phones during practice, building a tight-knit atmosphere, and even encouraging players to set the PKL trophy as their phone wallpaper. “We made that image our goal. We dreamt together and played together. That’s what a team is.”&nbsp;Season 11 started strong. Inamdar was in blazing form until an injury cut his campaign short after just few matches. “It was tough mentally and physically. But injuries are part of the game,” he says. “You just have to stay strong and be focused on recovery.” His absence was felt as the team’s momentum dipped. “Our combination and coordination collapsed. It was heartbreaking to watch.”&nbsp;But now, ahead of Season 12, Aslam is fully fit and raring to return. “I’m just waiting to get back on the mat and give it everything I have,” he says with calm conviction.&nbsp;In 2023, Aslam’s journey hit another milestone—he donned the Indian jersey at the 2022 Asian Games (postponed to 2023) in Hangzhou, China. As India locked horns with Iran in a high-voltage final, Aslam played as the main raider, helping his side clinch a 33–29 win and the gold medal.&nbsp;“Representing India was a dream. Winning gold was beyond words,” he says, his voice still tinged with awe. Despite never playing in the Nationals, he was selected on merit. “The federation saw something in me—and I proved them right.”&nbsp;Aslam has a special message for youngsters from small towns and villages like his. “There’s no shortcut in life. Hard-work, discipline, and consistency are the only keys. I started in 2009 and reached PKL in 2021. It took me 11 years—but it happened.”&nbsp;Today, Aslam Inamdar is more than just a kabaddi player. He’s a symbol of resilience, a leader, and a beacon for thousands of dreamers across rural India. From broken bones to broken records, his story is one of overcoming against all odds. And as Season 12 approaches, the mat awaits its champion.

WION Exclusive | Aslam Inamdar, the boy who once scrubbed floors is now the pride of Puneri Paltan

In the hustling and bustling streets of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, a young boy with his tough-skinned hands and burning dreams once scrubbed hotel floors. Today, he wears the captain’s armband for Puneri Paltan, the winners of Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), and a gold medal around his neck from the 2023 Asian Games. This is the remarkable journey of Aslam Inamdar—a story of determination, hard-work and unflinching love that he had for the game. Aslam’s life has never followed a script of comfort. After losing his father in 2011, the family's financial situation plummeted. “There was no stability at home,” he recalled in an exclusive interview with WION ahead of Season 12 of the PKL. “My mother and brother were my only support. My brother joined the police force, but I didn’t even have a coach to push me.” With little to no financial backing, Aslam chased his kabaddi dreams while taking up odd jobs—most notably as a hotel cleaner. He would save every rupee to attend local matches and prize competitions. His determination was tested further in 2015 when a broken leg—literally—threatened his career. “I had no money for surgery,” he said. “I survived on painkillers for months, with water leaking into our home during the rainy season. That was the toughest phase of my life.” But the adverse circumstances didn’t break him—it built him. His passion saw him climb through the ranks, joining the Services team, then making it into the PKL with Puneri Paltan. “There were no shortcuts. Only hard work, discipline, and consistency,” he asserted. Aslam’s breakout came in Season 9 of the PKL, where he was appointed as the vice-captain. Watching veteran player like Fazel Atrachali lead the team gave him an education in leadership—one he would soon put to use. By Season 10, he was the captain. And not just any captain—he became the architect behind Puneri Paltan’s maiden PKL title. “Everyone in the team had a different mindset, ego, or attitude. My role was to unify them. I told them—whatever happens, we will stay together.” After a loss to Haryana Steelers early in the season, team owner Jai Kotak expressed disappointment. That became Aslam’s turning point. “I promised him that from now on, he’d witness a new history being written.” He enforced discipline—confiscating phones during practice, building a tight-knit atmosphere, and even encouraging players to set the PKL trophy as their phone wallpaper. “We made that image our goal. We dreamt together and played together. That’s what a team is.” Season 11 started strong. Inamdar was in blazing form until an injury cut his campaign short after just few matches. “It was tough mentally and physically. But injuries are part of the game,” he says. “You just have to stay strong and be focused on recovery.” His absence was felt as the team’s momentum dipped. “Our combination and coordination collapsed. It was heartbreaking to watch.” But now, ahead of Season 12, Aslam is fully fit and raring to return. “I’m just waiting to get back on the mat and give it everything I have,” he says with calm conviction. In 2023, Aslam’s journey hit another milestone—he donned the Indian jersey at the 2022 Asian Games (postponed to 2023) in Hangzhou, China. As India locked horns with Iran in a high-voltage final, Aslam played as the main raider, helping his side clinch a 33–29 win and the gold medal. “Representing India was a dream. Winning gold was beyond words,” he says, his voice still tinged with awe. Despite never playing in the Nationals, he was selected on merit. “The federation saw something in me—and I proved them right.” Aslam has a special message for youngsters from small towns and villages like his. “There’s no shortcut in life. Hard-work, discipline, and consistency are the only keys. I started in 2009 and reached PKL in 2021. It took me 11 years—but it happened.” Today, Aslam Inamdar is more than just a kabaddi player. He’s a symbol of resilience, a leader, and a beacon for thousands of dreamers across rural India. From broken bones to broken records, his story is one of overcoming against all odds. And as Season 12 approaches, the mat awaits its champion.

In the Pro Kabaddi League, Inamdar has made a substantial impact, participating in 63 matches and accumulating 449 raid points from 966 raids

The sport of Kabaddi has been around for around 4,000 years, but was predominantly perceived as a traditional and rural sport. The Pro Kabaddi League has taken the sport straight into drawing rooms across the subcontinent. The league has also shattered stereotypes about traditional sports and inspired other leagues. WION's Vidur Kathuria traces the 10-year journey of the PKL.

Pro Kabaddi League: A gamechanger for Indian sport

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Pro Kabaddi League 11 champion Haryana Steelers named 'Franchise of the Year' at CII Sports Business Awards 2025

Pro Kabaddi League: U Mumba unveil season 12 jersey paying homage to title win

The league of the new heroes: Why PKL season 12 feels different?

Aslam Inamdar, the boy who once scrubbed floors is now pride of Puneri Paltan

Pro Kabaddi League: A gamechanger for Indian sport