Dabang Delhi seek revenge against Telugu Titans at Pro Kabaddi
In the inaugural season of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League, Dabang Delhi faced the Telegu Titans twice and each time, the team from Vishakapatnam came out on top. While the former have gone a lot of re-shuffling in the off-season, it remains to be seen if they can avenge the aforementioned and indeed pull-off a win against a team which narrowly missed qualification for the play-offs last year.
The Dabangs have had 3 training camps so far and the mood has been undeniably exuberant amongst the players and support staff alike. While they seem resolute in their bid to make the play-offs and eventually lift the trophy on August 23rd, it goes without saying that getting off the mark in the season opener today would be most important.
Coach Honnappa C Gowda emphasized on the same, “We have had a brilliant time together over the last couple of months and it’s time to let our performances do the talking. The team is a rejuvenated lot and we have managed to inculcate the right spirit.”
His ambition was backed by senior player and one of the top raiders of last season, Surjeet Narwal. “We should do really well. I think the fact that Ravinder (Singh) and Rakesh (Singh) could join the team only in the 2nd half of the tournament last year hindered our progress. That being said, we are a lot better prepared this time around,” he said.
One of the major causes of concern for the team however has been Surjeet’s own fitness. The India international conceded that he might not play today but assured us of being in utmost shape and the sitting out is primarily precautionary,
Surjeet admitted, “I did suffer a sprain in my back at the National Games, but since then the Dabangs have brought in Dr. Sandeep Kumar and he has helped me a lot.”
Honnappa also acknowledged the prowess of the Telegu Titans and conceded that they will be tough to get past.
“They are really good too. In fact, that’s the beauty of the league- all teams are extremely competitive. Having said that we have analysed their performances and are prepared for whatever’s thrown at us. I believe if we play to our strengths, there is no reason for us to settle for anything less than a win,” the coach signed off.